Three HC candidates USMNT should consider to replace Gregg Berhalter

U.S. Soccer's sporting director Matt Crocker promised a "comprehensive review" following the USMNT's Copa America elimination and his first decision following that review should be dismissing Berhalter.

If he does so, Crocker will need to pick a replacement who can make difficult decisions when reevaluating the American talent pool and training players well on new tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.

Here are three serious candidates U.S. Soccer should consider for the job.

B.J. Callaghan

An assistant under Berhalter, Callaghan briefly served as interim coach when Berhalter was temporarily removed following the 2022 World Cup. Despite having just accepted the head coach job at MLS side Nashville SC, and as odd as it would seem to tap a Berhalter disciple, the data supports trying to coax Callaghan back to the national team.

Under Callaghan, the USMNT had a 4-3-0 record — that's a .571 winning percentage — and scored 20 goals over that seven-match span, a scoring prowess the U.S. has failed to recreate since. Ditching the controversial Berhalter and bringing back a player-beloved assistant to take the team forward would be an ideal scenario.

Jurgen Klopp

Hiring the former Liverpool boss may be an ambitious ask. However, according to a Q&A with The Athletic's Simon Hughes, Klopp reportedly only has interest in two international jobs — Germany or the USMNT.

With Julien Nagelsmann having considerable success managing Germany at the Euros so far, that leaves the potential opening in America to entice Klopp. While club tactics are certainly a different breed in this sport, Klopp proved at Liverpool he could motivate a young group of core players to find sustained success at the highest level — something the U.S. desperately needs.

Mauricio Pochettino

After parting ways with his Premier League club, Chelsea, in May, Pochettino could be an ideal fit with the USMNT. He would be the first foreign coach since Jurgen Klinsmann, and despite clashing with Chelsea management over his coaching style, perhaps the USMNT could benefit from European tactics to compete with top squads.

It's rumored U.S. Soccer could potentially have to fend off the English Football Association from poaching Pochettino first if they decide to move on from manager Gareth Southgate following the Euro Tournament.

Whoever is potentially brought in, U.S. Soccer must find a coach with a unique approach to this generational talent pool. The future of soccer in America is at stake.