The San Jose Earthquakes are reportedly close to hiring the United States men’s national team (USMNT) head coach Bruce Arena, with the talks between the two sides being described as “advanced.”
Quakes are looking for a new head coach since parting ways with Luchi Gonzalez in June following a disappointing start to the 2024 season. Assistant Ian Russell led the team on an interim basis throughout the end of the campaign, during which San Jose finished last in the Eastern Conference with an MLS-worst 21 points.
The Quakes had talks with several candidates since Gonzalez’s departure and even considered another ex-USMNT head coach, Gregg Berhalter, who has since taken over the Chicago Fire. However, Arena always seemed like a front-runner for the job, considering his resume.
Arena coached four MLS franchises – DC United, New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy, and New England Revolution – and is the league’s winningest coach with 262 wins in the regular season alone. He also has also won five MLS Cups and four Supporters’ Shield trophies.
Arena also served as USMNT head coach on two occasions. He compiled an 81-35-32 record with the national team and oversaw campaigns at three World Cups, including reaching the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup. The latter still remains the best performance of USMNT at the tournament.
