Everything you need to know about Bruce Arena, U.S. soccer's next and former coach
He's expected to be the new coach, so it's time to learn about him if you're unfamiliar
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2 min read
Bruce Arena is expected to be named as the new USMNT coach on Tuesday after Jurgen Klinsmann was fired on Monday.
But who exactly is Arena? Here's what you need to know about the 65-year-old, Brooklyn-born coach.
1. He's been as successful as any American soccer coach in history
Arena and winning -- on the collegiate and domestic league level -- go hand in hand. Arena started coaching at the University of Virginia in 1978 and won five national championships in 18 seasons, with a record of 295-58-32. There he groomed some of the biggest names in U.S. Soccer history like Claudio Reyna, Jeff Agoos, John Harkes and Tony Meola.
After his stint at UVA, he went on to coach D.C. United of MLS from 1996-98, winning two MLS Cups. Overall, he has won five MLS Cups (three with his current team, the Los Angeles Galaxy).
Arena's five MLS Cups are three more than the next closest coach.
2. Arena is familiar with the role
Arena coached the U.S. from 1998-2006, guiding the team in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He has more wins as USMNT manager than anyone else in history and guided the team to that brilliant run to the quarterfinals in 2002, his finest accomplishment.
Arena's team started off by shocking the world and beating talented Portugal 3-2 to start the cup. Then after advancing to the knockout stages, the U.S. took down hated rival Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16 before falling to eventual runner-up Germany in the quarterfinals.
He won two Gold Cups with the USMNT but then it all came undone at the 2006 World Cup, where the team finished in last place in the group stage with one point. He was let go following the cup.
3. He is the logical short-term fix
Based on his past experience as USMNT manager, he was always going to be the quick-fix choice. He averaged six wins per each 10-game hexagonal round he's guided his teams through. He is also familiar with some of the players, especially Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey, both of which were on his 2006 World Cup roster.
That roster also had Landon Donovan, who he signed out of retirement this year for the Galaxy (yeah, wouldn't a return to USA be crazy for LD?)
So, it's the obvious choice and U.S. Soccer hopes it's the right choice.
4. He's a big Landon Donovan fan, but could he return?
Donovan is one of Arena's favorites, and rumors are going to swirl, and there is no reason to think that Arena won't give Donovan a look, either as a player or assistant coach. The latter is the most likely in my opinion.
Since rejoining the Galaxy, Donovan has started two of the nine games he's played and scored only one goal. The 34-year-old is surely nearing the end of his playing career, but he loves the sport and is knowledgeable, which could land him a spot alongside Arena.
5. He may have some explaining to do
File this under "how things could get weird." A few years back, Arena had some strong words for foreign-born American players. He's pretty much against them.
"Players on the nat'l team should be American. If they're born in other countries, we aren't making progress." -Bruce Arena, in next issue
— ESPN The Magazine (@ESPNMag) March 14, 2013
Well, the U.S. has a lot of them, just like Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones. And he's had plenty in the past, like Jeff Agoos and Earnie Stewart. Now, it shouldn't be a problem, but some of those players may come across those past comments and not like them, which could create an uncomfortable situation. Not likely, but worth keeping in mind down the road.
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