Bradley Leads Red Bulls II to Success with Innovative Coaching

At 38 years old, Bradley took the helm of Red Bulls II this summer, leading the developmental team to its first MLS Next Pro Cup title. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a possession-oriented style, distinct from the traditional Red Bull high press, which has caught the attention of Julian de Guzman, the new Head of Sport. De Guzman commended both the team’s performance and Bradley’s composure in a November interview with The Athletic, stating, “I’m very impressed by what he’s done. Beyond winning MLS Next Pro itself, it’s his playing style. It’s attractive for players, for fans. You can see how calm he is, how he delivers his message to the players. I must say it’s refreshing.”

Bradley boasts an illustrious playing career, having earned 151 caps for the U.S. men’s national team and representing clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach, Roma, and Toronto FC, where he secured the MLS Cup in 2017. Now, the role of head coach in MLS Next Pro marks his first leading position, following a brief tenure as an assistant under his father, Bob Bradley, at Stabaek in Norway, and a guest coaching opportunity with Canada’s national team under Jesse Marsch.

Marsch remarked on Bradley’s potential, saying, “There’s so much that he can provide based on his experiences,” in an interview with GOAL. Bradley himself noted that since his arrival, the tactical flexibility afforded to him has been highly valued. “You’re given the freedom in the space to make it your own and bring the ideas to life. So that part is really, really cool,” he shared.

Bradley’s decision to join RBNY II was significantly influenced by the Red Bulls’ global coaching development strategy. He mentioned a conversation with Jurgen Klopp, the organization’s Global Head of Football, as pivotal. “One of the things that I’ve been able to do in the last few months is spend some time with Jurgen on a few different occasions. Hearing him talk about the game and witnessing his passion and energy is amazing,” Bradley explained. “For a young coach to have the opportunity to be part of an organization like this is rare.”

This appointment represents a full-circle moment in Bradley’s soccer journey, having started his professional career with the MetroStars (now Red Bulls) after being selected 36th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft at just 16 years old. His successful transition from player to coach now positions him for a significant promotion within one of MLS’s most prominent coaching roles.