After missing the postseason for the first time since 2009, the New York Red Bulls started an earlier-than-expected offseason. All year long, the main storyline for the club was whether they could reach another MLS Cup after a magical run in 2024. That was not even close to what emerged for this club in 2025.
Injuries, depth problems, tension with the fans, an abysmal away record and more resulted in what can be categorized as one of the poorest seasons in recent memory. In a competitive Eastern Conference, New York finished 10th with 43 points and a 12-15-7 record.
Many questioned whether manager Sandro Schwarz would return for a third season after a successful first. Fans and analysts alike questioned his tactics and lineups throughout 2025, and it seemed inevitable that what happened Monday morning would occur.
The club announced on Monday that Schwarz would part ways with the organization. Schwarz succeeded former manager Troy Lesesne and recorded a 31-29-21 record in all competitions.
Former Head of Sport for the Red Bulls, Jochen Schneider, thanked Schwarz for his time in a press release on Monday.
“I would like to thank Sandro for the last two seasons, especially coaching this team during a memorable 2024 Playoff run,” Schneider said. “His dedication to the job was outstanding, and I truly wish him nothing but the best in his future coaching endeavors.”
The former part must be stressed here as Schneider’s time with the club has concluded as well. In a media availability, which took place on Tuesday, Schneider announced why he was departing New York.
“My wife, Annabella, got the diagnosis middle of September of a brain tumor and that changed everything,” Schneider addressed the media on Tuesday. “There’s only one solution… I had to make the decision to leave the club and to go back to Germany and to look after my wife and our three wonderful children. This is the most important now for me.”
As a result, Julian de Guzman will take the role of Head of Sport for the club moving forward. De Guzman spoke alongside Schneider on Tuesday at the press conference, addressing many questions about the future and what happened in 2025.
One of the first things discussed focused on the now-open manager role following Schwarz’s departure from the club.
“There’s going to be a deep dive into what that candidate looks like,” de Guzman said. “We need to make sure this is somebody that fits the philosophy, the playing style, and also the expectations and the priorities of developing players as well.”
De Guzman also emphasized his vision for the new manager on Tuesday.
“For the head coach it’s going to be extremely important that we are bringing in, clearly, a leader. A leader to lead the locker room, lead the players, lead the organization based on the philosophies and visions that I have for this club.”
Even with the disappointing results that transpired this season, there was maybe some hope that Schwarz would retain his spot in 2026. The timing of relieving Schwarz was discussed on Tuesday and de Guzman mentioned why it was the correct decision for the club.
“It has been a disappointing season if you really look at it from [the] outside looking in, not making playoffs after 15 years of making playoffs… The outcome of this season, we underachieved, that’s very clear and it’s also important to know that there will be a different look for sure, not just from a coaching standpoint, but from the player, roster planning… The timing of bringing in a head coach, I think it makes a lot of sense.”
De Guzman added that they have begun searching for Schwarz’s replacement. One key requirement he did state on Tuesday was that the next manager needs a good understanding of Major League Soccer (MLS) and what Red Bull wants.
Some names mentioned for the role would fit well in New York. Former United States men’s national team (USMNT) player and current New York Red Bulls II coach, Michael Bradley, is one. Bradley is currently leading RBNY II to a successful campaign and they will host Philadelphia Union II on Saturday in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final.
Another name being listed for the spot is former Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin. MLS insider and writer for The Athletic, Tom Bogert, mentioned this as a possibility for New York.
Curtin was arguably one of the league’s best coaches before parting ways with Philadelphia after missing the playoffs in 2024.
Whoever the new head man is, they will be tasked to help New York return to the postseason. The Red Bulls are supposed to be a successful club and the new manager needs to bring that attitude back to the organization.
