Legendary midfielder Michael Bradley was hired as the new head coach of New York Red Bulls on Monday.

Bradley, 38, played for the MLS side when it was known as the MetroStars at the outset of his career in 2004. He retired in 2023 and kickstarted his coaching career in 2025 by leading New York Red Bulls II to their first MLS Next Pro championship.

“Michael had an exceptional playing career and has demonstrated a bright future in coaching,” Red Bulls head of sport Julian de Guzman said.

“He leads with calm confidence and has great way of connecting with people. We are excited for Michael to bring his philosophy to our first team and continue to lead our club towards success.”

Bradley played 20 pro seasons in MLS and top European leagues. He appeared in 258 matches with Toronto FC from 2014-23 and captained the club to a rare MLS Cup-Supporters’ Shield double, as well as the Canadian Championship, in 2017.

The New Jersey native totaled 151 international caps as the longtime captain and fulcrum of the United States men’s national team. He played in two FIFA World Cups and celebrated a pair of Gold Cup triumphs with the USMNT in 2007 and 2017.

Bradley’s coaching resume includes a stint as a guest assistant to Canada head coach Jesse Marsch during the June 2025 international window. He assisted his father, Bob Bradley, with the Norwegian club Stabaek in 2023-24.

New York lost the 2024 MLS Cup final and moved on from head coach Sandro Schwarz in October after slipping to 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings in 2025.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be head coach of the club that I started my professional career with and also in the state that I call home,” Bradley said.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside everyone here and doing my part to help this club achieve the success our fans deserve.”

–Field Level Media