The New York Red Bulls hired a New Jersey-born former player as their next head coach.

The Harrison-based MLS club announced Dec. 15 that Princeton native and U.S. Men’s National Team hero Michael Bradley will lead the team.

He becomes the second permanent head coach in franchise history to have played for the club. Bradley began his professional career with the-then MetroStars in 2004.

Bradley had a decorated professional career around the world over 20 seasons and a legendary run for the U.S. men’s team, making:

• 151 appearances (the third-most by a player in the team’s history)
• eight FIFA World Cup appearances
• 44 matches as captain

Bradley, 38, led RBNY II, the club’s developmental team, to the club’s first MLS NEXT Pro Cup title this year.

Team changeups

In October, the Red Bulls announced a shuffle of its sporting leadership, parting ways with previous Head Coach Sandro Schwarz, while Julian de Guzman took the helm as head of sport.

“Michael had an exceptional playing career and has demonstrated a bright future in coaching especially after leading our Red Bull New York II to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup this past season,” de Guzman said in the team’s announcement. “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 added, “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. I’m looking forward to working alongside everyone here and doing my part to help this club achieve the success our fans deserve.”

Meet Michael Bradley, head coach of the New York Red Bulls:

Passion meets purpose. pic.twitter.com/EvJ39UnxJm

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) December 15, 2025