US Soccer set to appoint Matt Crocker as new sporting director
The 48-year-old could play a key role in deciding Gregg Berhalter’s successor as the USMNT head coach.
The US Soccer Federation is reportedly set to appoint Matt Crocker as sporting director, tasked with helping the USMNT find a new permanent manager in the build up to the 2026 World Cup.
The Athletic reports that Crocker, currently director of football operations at Premier League side Southampton, will take over the role at the end of the season.
The USMNT has been without a permanent manager since Gregg Berhalter left the position at the end of his contract. Crocker has been at Southampton for three years and previously had a very successful stint within the England national team set up.
Who is Matt Crocker?
Before his move to Southampton, Crocker spent seven years with the English Football Association and helped to oversee a rapid change in the national side’s fortunes. He was one of those who helped define the ‘England DNA’ which could ensure greater synchronicity across the age groups.
The 48-year-old worked with England’s U-15, U-17 and U-20, both the men’s and women’s sides, and sought to introduce a cohesive style of play.
In 2020 Crocker told The Athletic: “England DNA was a blank sheet of paper, and there was an opportunity to align a pathway from the junior teams to the senior teams, working with people like Dan Ashworth and Gareth Southgate.”
Who is the favourite to be the new head coach of USMNT?
Crocker’s appointment has not yet been confirmed and he is unlikely to be officially unveiled until he has finished the season with Southampton. The Premier League club are in the midst of a relegation battle and are currently four points from safety.
Southampton are on their third coach of the season, but were reportedly interested in bringing in former Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch earlier this year.
Marsch, who had previously been at Red Bull Salzburg, has been discussed as a potential USMNT manager in the past. After Crocker attempted to bring Marsch to Southampton just months ago he may be interesting in tapping him up for the national team role.
Also possible, of course, is that Gregg Berhalter be reinstated as head coach after the 49-year-old was cleared in a recent investigation.
Whoever takes over as new US Soccer sporting director, there’s some big decisions to be made that could dictate the future of the national team.