Citing a need for freshness, U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati has decided not to renew the contract of eight-year U.S. head coach Bruce Arena when it expires at the end of 2006.
“It comes down primarily to eight years being a long period,” Gulati said. “I’m not going to say we felt the need to change directions. I think thedirection that Bruce set has been very, very positive.
“But I think having a fresh approach after eight years, which is a very, very long time to be with a national team, is the strongest factor.
Obviously we didn’t get the results we wanted at the World Cup, but as I’ve said repeatedly, Bruce Arena didn’t become a bad coach in three games or with a bad bounce of the ball.
“It’s got more to do with eight years and time for a fresh look.”
Arena’s record for 130 games at the helm is 71-30-29. He guided the USA to two CONCACAF Gold Cup titles and was the first coach to qualify the USA to two World Cups. In 2002, the USA reached the quarterfinals. His team exited in the first round at the 2006 World Cup, after two losses and a tie.
“Bruce gets nothing but the strongest possible compliments for his accomplishments,” Gulati said, “for his achievements, for his integrity, and for everything he’s done for us.”
Gulati said Arena “expressed a desire to continue.”
In a statement released by U.S. Soccer, Arena said, “I am proud of how far the organization has come over the last eight years, and I am extremely optimistic about the future of the sport in our country. As for me, I am planning to take some time off to weigh my future opportunities.”
Gulati said the Federation has not talked to potential replacements nor has it had others talk to potential coaches on its behalf, but that a worldwide search for Arena’s replacement will now begin.
Bruce Arena Milestones:
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