The Search for Gregg Berhalter's Successor: Who Will Be the Next U.S. Men's National Team Coach?

With Gregg Berhalter's future as the U.S. men's national team coach uncertain, FOX Sports presents a list of 10 potential candidates to replace him, along with their chances of getting the job.

The big question isn't whether Gregg Berhalter will return as the U.S. men's national team's coach. The big question is who will replace him if he doesn't.

American Jesse Marsch — a finalist for the job last year before U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker ultimately rehired Berhalter — is unavailable after taking the Canada job.

The Search for Gregg Berhalter's Successor: Who Will Be the Next U.S. Men's National Team Coach?

With that in mind, there's no obvious replacement. Other oft-mentioned possibilities (José Mourinho, Pellegrino Matarazzo) are also currently employed and/or unlikely to leave their current jobs.

There are plenty of other potential candidates, however. Below are 10 names, in no particular order, who could be on Crocker's list, and their chances of getting the job.

**Jürgen Klopp** (57, Unattached)

**Why it makes sense:** U.S. Soccer likes to say it hired the best coach in the world in charismatic women's national team boss Emma Hayes. Klopp is the equivalent on the men's side. Landing the former Liverpool manager ahead of the 2026 World Cup at home would be a game-changer for the federation; Klopp's presence alone would instantly make the USMNT relevant globally.

**Why it doesn't:** Truly elite coaches want to win trophies, and Klopp isn't likely to view the USMNT as realistically capable of hoisting the World Cup in 2026. He's not likely to be primarily motivated by money; why leave Liverpool if he was? To that point, Klopp had repeatedly said he wanted a full year off from coaching at least. The USMNT probably can't afford to wait until 2025. Even for the beloved German.

**Likelihood:** 2 (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most likely.)

**Steve Cherundolo** (45, LAFC)

**Why it makes sense:** Cherundolo checks a lot of boxes: He took LAFC to consecutive MLS Cups finals in his first two years with the club, winning in 2022. He also has a Supporters Shield, reached a Concacaf final, and was an assistant in the Bundesliga before that. Cherundolo was part of three US World Cup teams as a player. He speaks perfect German, is connected across Europe and is universally respected back home. He also wouldn't cost much more than Hayes, which could be a factor if the likes of Klopp and Southgate aren't interested.

**Why it doesn't:** The San Diego native is happy in Southern California and is still less than three years into his head coaching career. He might not feel ready. LAFC could also balk at letting him leave mid-season. It's hard to see them standing in his way, though, and the opportunity might be difficult to turn down. Cherundolo is the early front-runner.

**Likelihood:** 8

**Gareth Southgate** (53, England national team)

**Why it makes sense:** The longtime Three Lions manager is a big name. And he's expected to leave his post after Euro 2024 even if England wins the tournament, which they absolutely still can. The USSF could trumpet its ambition if they do, plus Southgate knows the international game inside out. He's familiar with the U.S. player pool, having scouted the Americans extensively ahead of the countries' group stage meeting at Qatar 2022. The media-savvy Southgate would quickly endear himself to mainstream fans in a far more forgiving media landscape. And he might be intrigued by the chance to lead another national team in a World Cup on home soil.

**Why it doesn't:** Southgate's playing style has been called boring. And while he wouldn't cost as much as Klopp he certainly wouldn't come cheap — especially if he ends up leading England's men to their first title since 1966. He currently earns north of $6 million from the FA and would presumably require significantly more to hop the pond.

**Likelihood:** 4

**Jim Curtin** (45, Philadelphia Union)

**Why it makes sense:** The second-longest-tenured coach in MLS is among its best: Curtin led frugal Philly to the Supporters Shield in 2020 and an MLS Cup appearance in 2022. He's also coached a number of current national teamers, including Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie. His plain-spoken, down-to-earth personality would resonate with U.S. fans and players alike.

**Why it doesn't:** For all of his accomplishments, Curtin has no experience at all at the international level. That's probably a dealbreaker less than two years out from the next World Cup.

**Likelihood:** 2

**Patrick Vieira** (48, Strasbourg)

**Why it makes sense:** Vieira spent a successful two-plus seasons leading MLS side NYCFC. He's since gone on to manage Premier League Crystal Palace — where he worked with U.S defender Chris Richards — in between stints with clubs in Ligue 1 in his native France. He'd also command respect in the U.S. locker room: As a no-nonsense central midfielder, he helped lead Les Bleus to a World Cup and won multiple Premier League and