Nashville SC announced B.J. Callaghan as their new head coach on Wednesday.

Callaghan, 43, has been a U.S. men’s national team assistant since 2019.

As the USMNT interim head coach in 2023, he led the squad to the Concacaf Nations League title.

Callaghan has previous MLS experience as a Philadelphia Union assistant from 2014-19.

“We are so excited to usher in this new era for Nashville Soccer Club with B.J. as our head coach,” said general manager Mike Jacobs in a news release. “B.J. has a tremendous amount of experience that spans all levels of soccer at the highest levels of the game and has excelled throughout the MLS ecosystem.

“He is an exceptional leader who gets the most out of the players and teams that he has coached and brings a hard-working and relentless mentality to our club. B.J. is ready for this opportunity to continue to build and develop a winning culture and is the right person to drive our club’s ambition for success.”

Callaghan becomes just the second permanent head coach in Nashville SC history.

“Taking the head coach position at Nashville SC is an incredible opportunity and an exciting next step in my career,” Callaghan said. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Gregg Berhalter for his mentorship and support throughout my time with the U.S. men’s national team. The experience I’ve gained here has been invaluable, and I’m deeply appreciative of the relationships and memories made along the way.”

He replaces interim coach Rumba Munthali, who took over in May when the club parted ways with Gary Smith.

Callaghan officially joins Nashville on July 22 and will make his debut on July 31 in Leagues Cup action against Liga MX side Mazatlan FC.

–Field Level Media