Will Steve Cherundolo be the next USMNT head coach?

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo has refused to rule out the possibility of him taking over as the next head coach of the USMNT.

After reports that former Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has rejected an approach from US Soccer, Cherundolo has emerged as a potential replacement for Gregg Berhalter.

Speaking to reporters after his side’s 3-1 US Open Cup win over New Mexico United, Cherundolo was asked whether he intends to be the LAFC head coach at the end of the 2024 season. His response was far from convincing.

“I am LAFC’s head coach right now and that is my job. It’s what I do every single day. And tomorrow morning training’s at 11:15, an hour later, and I will be there for that.”

The hunt for a new USMNT head coach continues after the team’s underwhelming group stage elimination from the 2024 Copa América. As hosts, a lot was expected of this United States team - which boasts a number of stars playing for top European teams - but a group stage loss to Panama effectively eliminated Berhalter’s side. The pressure is on to find a candidate that can revamp the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

What is Steve Cherundolo’s record in MLS?

The 45-year-old enjoyed a 15-year playing career with Hannover 96 in Germany and represented the US as a player on 87 occasions. After starting his coaching career in Germany he got his first senior role in March 2021 with USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights.

After impressing in the second tier was appointed LAFC head coach the following year and he led the team to the Supporters’ Shield in his first season, breaking the MLS record for most wins in a season for a first-year head coach. In 2022 his LAFC team won the MLS Cup title in dramatic circumstances and they would go on to be beaten finalists a year later.

During his time with LAFC he has racked up 65 wins in 116 matches, giving him a win percentage of 56% and an average of 2.05 points per game. Of the 30 coaches currently in MLS, only FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan (2.22) has a better PPG record.

Would Cherundolo be the right man for the USMNT job? His career in Germany gives him considerable top level playing experience but his ability to get the best out of this talented generation of players is less clear. Appointing a head coach with no coaching experience outside of the US and fewer than 150 games in charge under his belt is, undoubtedly, a risk. With just two years to go until the World Cup, this is a decision that could define the future of soccer in the United States.