In a few months, Red Bull New York will kick off their 2026 campaign in Orlando. By February 21, New York should have a new head man leading their club.
For people unaware, former manager Sandro Schwarz was let go by the club late last month. It wasn’t hard to see why the change was made by the club.
After a well-documented bad 2025 season, Schwarz wasn’t the right fit to lead the club. Out of respect for the German manager, he was the one who brought New York to MLS Cup in 2024.
The search for a new leader is still ongoing and for new Head of Sport Julian de Guzman, he wants someone who fits his vision. During the end of the season press conference last month, de Guzman stated he wants someone who understands Major League Soccer (MLS) very well as the new manager. Whether it’s a former player or a coach, he wants someone that truly embodies the league.
There are two names that fans and analysts have constantly mentioned throughout the coaching search. One is current New York Red Bulls II manager and former United States men’s national team (USMNT) midfielder Michael Bradley. The other is the well-respected and former manager of the Philadelphia Union, Jim Curtin.
Curtin would be a safe pick to be the new manager of New York and it could result in immense success for the club. Honestly, it might be a great decision when one is eventually made.
However, Bradley deserves his flowers and has earned the right to be among the candidates for the role. It comes down to three things for the former Toronto FC star.
Family History
When fans hear the last name Bradley, some will quickly reference Bob Bradley. Bob is no stranger to the soccer scene, having coached clubs like Los Angeles FC and Swansea City in the past. Notably, he did lead the USMNT for five years, which included an appearance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup knockout round.
The Bradley family also resided in New Jersey during Bob’s tenure as Princeton University head coach. Take another step back and you’ll learn that Bob is a New Jersey native, having attended West Essex High School.
This goes to say that for Michael Bradley, becoming a manager for a club that heavily strengthens NYC metro area prospects is a really good thing. He has the soccer IQ from his father and his playing days and understands the talent found in this area. With the success he’s had with RBNY II developing talent, the first team can trust him to make them better.
Bradley can also lean on his dad for guidance if and when he eventually manages an MLS club like New York perhaps.
MLS Experience
Let’s now talk about Bradley’s league experience. As a young professional, Bradley played for the then NY/NJ MetroStars between 2004 and 2005. Notably, his time with Toronto FC from 2014 to 2023 was special.
An MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield winner in 2017, a three-time MLS All-Star and a captain role were just some of his notable accolades. Even towards the twilight of his playing days, Michael was managed by Bob for a few seasons. Similar to when his father coached the USMNT with him on the squad, Bradley absorbed a lot of knowledge at the club level.
With players like Emil Forsberg and Eric Choupo-Moting, they need to have a manager who understands their style of play. Both players, just like Bradley, played in the Bundesliga with Bradley spending a few seasons with Borussia Monchengladbach. While there were shortcomings with Schwarz, having someone like Bradley who not only understands MLS but other leagues is important.
Bradley was a star in MLS and was an important piece for the national team for many years. He understands the soccer culture in the States better than most. That alone should be appealing to the front office.
New York Red Bulls II’s 2025 Season
From the time Bradley took over for former RBNY II coach Ibrahim Sekagya, it was nothing but glory. The excellent play of Nehuen Benedetti, captain Adri Mehmeti and more propelled the team to their first championship since 2016. Even though he became their head coach on June 12, Bradley deserves an incredible amount of credit for this past season.
Yes, winning the MLS NEXT Pro Cup is not as prestigious as MLS Cup, but at the end of the day it’s a championship. To see Bradley have success with the younger players was vital. New York’s academy has produced great talent year-in and year-out and the first team is starving for their first MLS Cup.
For a coach and player who went to New York matches and played for them earlier in his playing career, Bradley deserves a shot.
