Didn’t we just discuss this?
The answer. As the World Cup wrapped up four months ago, U.S. Soccer’s plans for Pochettino remained hazy.
Surprisingly, after many European rumors, the Argentine signed a four‑year extension—yet his future looks far from settled.
Reports this week name Pochettino as a top contender for Manchester United, a club ready to meet his $10 million buyout and assistant fees.
Now we’re left wondering who will take over the USMNT if Pochettino departs soon.
Four months can change everything in football, so the list needs fresh eyes.
Here are eight plausible successors—four from our July roundup and four new names.
BJ Callaghan
Last Managerial Job: Nashville SC (Current)
On Our July List?: Yes
Why He Makes Sense: Callaghan served as Berhalter’s top aide in 2022, then stepped in as interim when Berhalter’s contract ended, sparking a brief tenure shift.
His interim spell saw a full‑strength US side dominate the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League semis and finals, while a trimmed squad performed admirably at the Gold Cup before a penalty loss to Panama.
What’s New: Callaghan led Nashville to an MLS points record and the 2026 Supporters’ Shield, boosting his profile as a top American coaching prospect.
A potential Pochettino exit now could give Callaghan a smoother transition than a summer approach would.
Steve Cherundolo
Last Managerial Job: United States U‑23s (Current)
Why He Makes Sense: Cherundolo boasts the strongest résumé among early‑2000s USMNT alumni, guiding LAFC to a Supporters’ Shield, MLS Cup (2022) and US Open Cup (2024).
His German roots—entire career at Hannover 96 and recent move back to Germany—make him a logical base for a squad whose core plays in Europe.
What’s New: With the 2028 Olympics in mind, he’s a likely caretaker for the senior team, even if not a long‑term pick.
And many U‑23 players could feature in the 2030 World Cup, as Pochettino’s recent line‑ups averaged 24 years or younger.
Ange Postecoglou
Last Managerial Job: Al‑Nassr (Current)
On Our July List?: No
Why He Makes Sense: Postecoglou has managed at the highest European level, winning the Europa League with Tottenham, and his attack‑first philosophy would thrill American fans.
His Australian upbringing mirrors the US sports landscape, giving him instant insight into the dual goal of results and growth.
What’s New: He steered Al‑Nassr to third place in the Saudi Pro League, averaging 2.55 points per game in a top‑heavy league.
We doubt U.S. Soccer can match Al‑Nassr’s budget, yet the Aussie might still be lured by a fresh challenge.
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Roberto Martínez
Last Managerial Job: Portugal (Contract expired July 2026)
Why He Makes Sense: Martínez knows US soccer intimately, having coached Tim Howard at Everton and appeared regularly on American TV as a pundit.
His attacking mindset aligns with US preferences, and his rapport with Cristiano Ronaldo suggests he could handle any Pulisic‑related tension.
What’s New: Since Portugal’s 1‑0 loss to Spain in July, Martínez has stayed low‑key, though his reliance on Ronaldo at the World Cup now seems questionable.
CR7 and new Portugal boss Jorge Jesus have shifted roles, yet Portugal remains unbeaten in four UEFA Nations League games.
Jesper Sørensen
Last Managerial Job: Vancouver Whitecaps (present)
Why He Makes Sense: Sørensen has delivered consistent MLS results despite Vancouver’s challenges, earning a reputation for stability.
Though he coaches outside the US, he’s faced MLS talent regularly and guided Denmark’s U‑21s from 2021‑2022.
What’s New: After reaching the CONCACAF Champions Cup and MLS Cup finals and winning the 2025 Canadian Championship, 2026 has seen a dip, yet he’s navigated key player departures well.
Post‑202‑2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, a national‑team role could offer the stability he craves.
Joachim Löw
Last Job: Germany (Resigned July 2021)
Why He Makes Sense: Löw, out of club work for five years, helped shape the 2006 German side that inspired U.S. Soccer’s later hires.
A World Cup winner and two‑time medalist, he knows the Bundesliga pipeline feeding US talent.
What’s New: German fortunes have slipped since his exit—failure to progress past the 2022 group stage and a penalty defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 round of 32.
Rumors once linked him to Ghana, but they’ve faded and Löw remains silent on the matter.
Michael Bradley
Last Job: New York Red Bulls (Current)
On Our July List: No
Why He Makes Sense: Bradley, the third‑most capped USMNT player, is the son of coaching legend Bob Bradley and close to rising stars Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti.
While least experienced here, his connection to emerging talent could pay dividends.
What’s New: The Red Bulls missed the playoffs for a second straight year—a first for an original MLS franchise—but most blame roster depth, not Bradley.
Pep Guardiola
Last Job: Manchester City (Contract expired June 2026)
Why He Makes Sense: He’s Pep Guardiola, arguably the most influential manager ever, with a well‑known love for the United States.
Now an ambassador for City Football Group, he could be pricey or prefer club duties, yet contacting him never hurts.
It’s still unknown what disciplinary fallout City will face or if Guardiola’s trophies will be stripped retroactively.
In that light, a USMNT role might appeal, letting him step back from Europe if sanctions loom, and reviving his legacy by lifting the Yanks globally.