The New York Red Bulls have turned to a familiar footballing dynasty, appointing former United States captain Michael Bradley as their new head coach.
A Legacy Role for the New Boss
The appointment, confirmed on Monday 15 December 2025, marks a significant moment for the 38-year-old, who steps into a position his father, Bob Bradley, held twenty years prior. He becomes the club's 21st head coach in its 31-season history.
Bradley's promotion comes directly from within the organisation. He was only appointed to lead the club's reserve side, Red Bulls II, in the MLS Next Pro third tier on 12 June 2025. His impact was immediate, guiding the team to a league title in a remarkably short period, which clearly impressed the senior hierarchy.
From Pitch to Dugout: A Storied Career
Michael Bradley brings a wealth of experience from an illustrious playing career. He earned 151 caps for the US national team between 2006 and 2019, scoring 17 goals. His club journey spanned two decades and several countries, including spells at the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, Heerenveen, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo Verona, Roma, and Toronto FC.
His coaching education has been hands-on. He notably served as an assistant to his father, Bob, at Norwegian side Stabaek during the 2023-24 season. Bob Bradley is a highly respected figure in global football, having managed the US national team from 2006 to 2011, the Egyptian national team, and having a brief stint in charge of Swansea City in 2016, making him known to British football fans.
A Club Seeking to Rebuild and Triumph
Bradley takes over a team at a crossroads. He replaces Sandro Schwarz, who was dismissed on 27 October 2025 after two seasons. The dismissal followed a disappointing 2025 MLS campaign where the Red Bulls finished 10th in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs with a record of 12 wins, 15 losses, and 7 draws. This was a stark contrast to the previous season, where the team reached the MLS Cup final.
The club, originally founded as the New York/New Jersey Metrostars in 1996, holds the unwanted distinction of having never won the MLS championship. The recent title was won by Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, who beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final. Messi was later named MLS MVP of the Year for a second consecutive season, underlining the elite standard Bradley must now challenge.
The task for the new head coach is clear: harness his deep understanding of the club and his extensive football knowledge to rebuild a playoff contender and finally end the organisation's long wait for the ultimate prize.
