SAN JOSE, California. (AP) — Bruce Arena, the iconic former coach of the United States men’s national team, has been named the new head coach and sporting director of the San Jose Earthquakes heading into the 2025 MLS season.
Aged 73, Arena is recognized as the most successful coach in American Soccer history, having been inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010. His legendary career includes an impressive total of five MLS titles , making him the winningest coach in MLS history and for the United States men’s national team.
“With an unrivaled track record that speaks for itself at all levels of soccer in our country, including multiple MLS Cups and Supporters’ Shields, he is the perfect choice to steer the Earthquakes in the right direction,” said John Fisher, managing partner of the Earthquakes, during an announcement Thursday. “We have every confidence that he will elevate the club to the level that San Jose and the Bay Area truly deserve, fighting for wins and trophies once again!”
Read more:
Maude Charron and Mikaël Kingsbury named Athletes of the Year in Quebec
Arena led the United States through two World Cups, including leading the team to a remarkable quarterfinal berth in 2002, a feat not achieved since the inaugural tournament in 1930. However, after a disappointing 2006 campaign , where the team failed to advance past the group stage, Arena saw his contract terminated.
He returned as caretaker coach in 2016 following the dismissal of Jurgen Klinsmann following a difficult start to the World Cup qualifying campaign. Unfortunately, the United States national team was eliminated by Trinidad and Tobago in their final qualifying match, ending a streak of seven consecutive World Cup appearances.
During his illustrious career, Arena won two MLS titles with DC United and three more with the star-studded LA Galaxy in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Holding the record for most regular season wins (262) and playoff victories (35) in MLS history, Arena has also coached the New York Red Bulls and, most recently, the 2019 New England Revolution until September 2023.
Read more:
The legendary De Kuip Stadium: A cornerstone of Dutch football
His resignation from the Revolution came just weeks after the league placed him on administrative leave amid allegations of insensitive remarks. Although MLS has not released detailed results of its investigation, the league has confirmed that some of the accusations are true. If Arena wishes to pursue a career in MLS, he must submit a formal request to the league commissioner.
In addition to his club successes, Arena celebrated three CONCACAF Gold Cup victories, becoming the most successful coach in men’s national team history with 81 victories to his name.
Read more:
Louis Saha Pleads for Paul Pogba’s Return to Manchester United
“I can’t express how excited I am to join San Jose,” Arena said. “My first professional match took place at Spartan Stadium in 1996, marking the start of MLS. Additionally, my first international match with the United States also took place in San Jose in 1998. The Earthquakes symbolize a proud soccer heritage There is tremendous potential within this club in Northern California, and I look forward to working with everyone here to realize that potential and return to our winning ways.”
In his new dual role, Arena will report directly to ownership, while general manager Chris Leitch will report to Arena’s leadership.
This past season was a tough one for San Jose, ending with a disastrous 6-25-3 record, putting them at the bottom of the Western Conference. Luchi Gonzalez was dismissed at the start of the season, with assistant coach Ian Russell taking over as caretaker coach for the remainder of the campaign.
Read more:
San Jose Earthquakes Hire Former US National Team Coach Bruce Arena as Technical Director and Head Coach
