Recent Coaching Hires in MLS: Evaluations and Insights

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** Ronny Delia’s tenure ended following a disappointing 2025 campaign. In contrast, hiring Martino is a pragmatic choice despite his comparatively low-profile reputation. Martino achieved immediate success with Atlanta United upon taking the helm in 2016, and his departure two years later was met with reluctance from fans. His familiarity with the club will likely restore a sense of stability at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

**Tactical Identity:** Martino favors a flexible yet attacking style. His teams are known for high pressing and maintaining possession once the ball is recovered. This approach emphasizes control over chaos, aligning more closely with Pep Guardiola’s tactics than Jurgen Klopp’s renowned Gegenpress. Martino’s strategy allows creative players to flourish, as evidenced by Miguel Almiron’s standout performance during his initial tenure.

**Rationale for Appointment:** Martino’s understanding of the club and proven track record of success make him a fitting choice. While he may not be a tactical innovator, his experience with Atlanta’s ethos and prior MLS Cup victory will likely enhance the team’s discipline. Immediate success may be unrealistic, but significant losses are also not anticipated.

**Potential Challenges:** Although Martino excelled during his first stint, the MLS has evolved since his departure in 2018. His recent managerial record has been mixed, with challenges faced while managing Mexico and inconsistencies at Inter Miami. The return of a familiar face may not suffice in today’s competitive environment, and fresh ideas could be more beneficial.

**Grade:** B+

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** Sandro Schwarz’s dismissal was perceived as severe, especially after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. The Red Bulls sought new perspectives, leading to the appointment of Bradley, acknowledged as one of the brightest young talents in American soccer. His background as a former Red Bulls midfielder and insights gained from influential coaches enhance his appeal.

**Tactical Identity:** Bradley’s approach remains largely untested, as he has only been a first-team coach for six months. He embraces the Red Bull philosophy of high pressing and dynamic football, demonstrating adaptability in his role with Red Bulls II, which emerged as a top-scoring team in the MLS Next Pro playoffs.

**Rationale for Appointment:** Bradley’s deep understanding of the Red Bull philosophy, coupled with his determination to win, aligns well with the club’s goals. His experience in various soccer cultures will further benefit his transition to head coach.

**Potential Challenges:** At 38, Bradley’s inexperience in top-flight management poses a risk. Leading a team that has recently missed the playoffs for the first time in 15 years will require a significant reset, and it remains to be seen if he is ready for such a challenge.

**Grade:** A-

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** LAFC opted for stability following Steve Cherundolo’s departure. They have promoted Dos Santos, his former assistant, who brings considerable experience and familiarity with the team’s dynamics, ensuring continuity for a side that narrowly missed MLS Cup contention.

**Tactical Identity:** Dos Santos is expected to implement a possession-based 4-3-3 formation, a shift from Cherundolo’s flexibility. His teams historically emphasize structure and utilize width effectively.

**Rationale for Appointment:** This decision reflects a cautious yet strategic choice, with Dos Santos’s established relationships within the squad allowing for a seamless transition.

**Potential Challenges:** Dos Santos’s managerial record has been mixed, particularly during his time with Vancouver, raising concerns about his reliability as a head coach. Competing with other available candidates may have brought additional options.

**Grade:** B-

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** St. Louis CITY SC required a substantial reset after Olof Mellberg’s unsuccessful tenure. David Critchley took over as interim but was unable to effect significant change. The exit of sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel further necessitated a new direction, leading to the appointment of Damet, who has a solid background as an assistant coach.

**Tactical Identity:** Damet’s tactical style remains largely undefined, but he has been influenced by coaches known for attacking play. His previous interim role focused on possession, which aligns with the team’s strengths.

**Rationale for Appointment:** This hire represents a risk-free opportunity for a team looking to rebuild after a disappointing season. Given their position, the club has little to lose.

**Potential Challenges:** A pressing need exists for stability; the team is in a state of decline. A veteran coach might have better navigated the complexities of a rebuilding phase.

**Grade:** C

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** Following Chris Armas’s exit, the Rapids faced a decision regarding their managerial future. With a strong foundation already in place, Wells represents a young yet experienced choice with coaching stints across Europe.

**Tactical Identity:** To be determined. Wells has worked with managers of varying styles, suggesting a potential for a cohesive tactical approach that leverages the team’s strengths.

**Rationale for Appointment:** This hire aligns with the club’s objectives, aiming for a clear tactical direction to harness the talent available.

**Potential Challenges:** His lack of head coaching experience and unfamiliarity with MLS could present obstacles as he transitions into this role.

**Grade:** B

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** The Crew needed to fill the void left by Wilfried Nancy, who had established a strong identity for the club. Rydstrom, with his previous success in Sweden, offers a fresh perspective.

**Tactical Identity:** Rydstrom employs a unique “Relationism” tactic, focusing on creating overloads and numerical advantages over strict positional play. His teams may prioritize possession with a more controlled style, potentially slower than fans expect.

**Rationale for Appointment:** This strategic choice seeks to redefine the Crew’s identity following Nancy’s departure, positioning Rydstrom as a central figure in this transition.

**Potential Challenges:** A possible rigidity in tactics could hinder performance, as demonstrated by his previous team’s struggles when results faltered. Adapting to the league’s dynamics presents an additional challenge.

**Grade:** B+

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** Sporting KC faced a head coach vacancy following Peter Vermes’s exit. Wicky, a seasoned professional with European and MLS experience, is tasked with revitalizing a struggling franchise.

**Tactical Identity:** Wicky favors a traditional 4-4-2 diamond formation, emphasizing ball possession and a high defensive line, although he has also explored alternative setups.

**Rationale for Appointment:** Given the team’s rebuilding phase, Wicky’s past successes and understanding of the American soccer landscape make him a suitable choice.

**Potential Challenges:** His tactics may appear outdated, and questions remain regarding the current squad’s fit with his vision. A lack of recent success raises further concerns about his effectiveness.

**Grade:** B

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** The New England Revolution needed a fresh direction after parting ways with Caleb Porter. Mitrovic, with a rich background in youth development, brings valuable experience.

**Tactical Identity:** Mitrovic emphasizes an attacking style, likely implementing a 4-3-3 formation with a compact mid-block defensively. His focus will be on maintaining offensive pressure.

**Rationale for Appointment:** His ability to develop players positions him well to enhance the team’s output, particularly with upcoming World Cup prospects.

**Potential Challenges:** Mitrovic’s lack of first-team managerial experience could pose difficulties, necessitating reliance on seasoned players for guidance.

**Grade:** B+

**Status: Official**

**Reason for Hire:** Following Eric Ramsay’s departure, Knowles stepped in as a natural choice, having been part of the coaching staff that brought Minnesota success.

**Tactical Identity:** Currently undefined. Knowles has been integral to Ramsay’s defensively-oriented approach but may adapt the team’s style based on his interim experiences.

**Rationale for Appointment:** Promoting from within ensures continuity, allowing for a seamless transition with existing tactical knowledge.

**Potential Challenges:** The speed of this decision could hinder efforts to implement fresh ideas, particularly as the team faces personnel changes.

**Grade:** B