Michael Bradley, USA legend, takes over as coach of New York Red Bulls II

Michael Bradley Takes the Helm of the New York Red Bulls II

Former U.S. international midfielder Michael Bradley has been named head coach of the New York Red Bulls II, marking his coaching debut. Bradley, 37, previously was part of the coaching staff of Stabaek of Norway from October 2023 to September 2024, under the direction of his father, Bob Bradley. Recently, he worked as a “guest coach” with the Canadian men’s national team under the direction of Jesse Marsch during the June international window. This appointment represents a return home for Michael Bradley, as he began his professional career in 2004 as a player for the MetroStars, the predecessor team of the New York Red Bulls.

“I am very excited to return to the place where my professional playing career began,” said Bradley. “This is a dream opportunity as a young coach. I look forward to working every day with this talented group of players and I will give everything to help them take the next step in their careers. I am grateful to the club for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley ended his playing career at Toronto FC in 2023. Bradley is one of the most prominent players in the history of the US national team, with 151 international matches, which puts him in third place on the all-time list. He scored 17 goals at the international level and was part of the teams in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. He was also part of two Gold Cup-winning teams in 2007 and 2017. Bradley was named US Soccer Player of the Year in 2015. At the club level, in addition to his time with the MetroStars, Bradley played for SC Heerenveen, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo Verona, AS Roma, and Toronto FC. With Toronto, Bradley was part of the team that won the national treble in 2017.

“We are excited to welcome Michael to the club,” said New York Red Bulls sporting director Julian de Guzman. “He had an incredible playing career and is one of the best American soccer players of all time. We see him as a promising coaching talent and look forward to supporting his development as he transitions to a career behind the touchline.”

Julian de Guzman

Bradley’s first match as coach will be on June 21 at Truist Point Stadium against Carolina Core FC in MLS Next Pro.