A little over a month ago, Red Bull New York as a club experienced two interesting phenomenons.
At the Major League Soccer (MLS) level, New York missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009. As a result, former manager Sandro Schwarz parted ways with the original 96 franchise following the season. All things considered, it was expected, even after he guided the club to MLS Cup in 2024.
For Red Bull New York II, November 8, 2025 will be celebrated forever as the team captured their second championship in their short history. By beating Colorado Rapids 2 in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup, it showed many how exciting the future could be for the organization.
Back to the main MLS squad, changes were inevitable this offseason to ensure the team returns to the playoffs. So far, midfielders Peter Stroud and Lewis Morgan were traded respectively to Western Conference sides Minnesota United FC and San Diego FC.
However, the biggest question of the offseason was who would be the new leader of this franchise? Who would bring this club back to their glorious playing days, like when Jesse Marsch was the manager from 2015 to 2018?
New York didn’t have to look far for their next man. Within the system, the club had someone special waiting to take the position.
RBNY II and former United States men’s national team (USMNT) member Michael Bradley needs no introduction to soccer fans. He was a leader at the international level, outstanding in MLS, and excellent as RBNY II head coach the rest of the 2025 season.
After RBNY II won the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, it all but made sense for the club to appoint him as the first-team coach. However, there were other options that many analysts and fans were exploring, like Jim Curtin.
But on Monday, Bradley’s promotion to being the manager of RBNY was confirmed.
There are a lot of good things coming from this hiring of Bradley.
Echoing back to the end of the season press conference in October, new Head of Sport Julian de Guzman expected a manager that fitted his vision. One thing he wanted was a manager that has had experience with MLS.
When it comes to MLS experience with Bradley, New York is getting a manager that embodies the US’ premier soccer league perfectly. In Bradley’s early playing days, the former midfielder spent time with the then NY/NJ MetroStars.
Notably, Bradley’s time with Toronto FC was an incredible one. He won a Supporter Shield and MLS Cup in 2017, multiple Canadian Championships, was a team captain and a three-time MLS All-Star. Bradley is MLS through and through.
“Michael had an exceptional playing career and has demonstrated a bright future in coaching especially after leading our Red Bull New York II to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup this past season,” de Guzman said in a release Monday.
The 2025 season for RBNY II saw them post an 11-4-4 record after Bradley took over for their former coach in Ibrahim Sekagya on June 12.
It is safe to say, the former USMNT star is excited for this amazing opportunity with the first-team.
“I am excited for the opportunity to be Head Coach of the club that I started my professional career with and also in the state that I call home,” Bradley said on Monday in a press release. “I’m looking forward to working alongside everyone here and doing my part to help this club achieve the success our fans deserve.”
Bradley of course isn’t the only coach in his family. His father Bob Bradley is regarded as one of the greatest American soccer coaches the sport has seen. Bob managed New York from 2002 to 2005.
Expect Michael to lean on his father for advice as he navigates through his first managerial role in MLS.
Nonetheless, the hiring of Bradley as the first-team head coach should guide New York to better results in 2026. With only two more months until their season opener vs Orlando City SC, New York is excited for what’s ahead.
