If the U.S. men's national team's coaching search wasn't difficult before, it sure is now. U.S. Soccer faces a massive decision when it comes to choosing who will lead the USMNT into the 2026 World Cup, a tournament set to be held on home soil that is expected to vault American soccer into a new stratosphere.
The next three-and-a-half years are perhaps the most important in American soccer history, with a series of friendlies, CONCACAF tournaments and a Copa America all serving as test runs for a pivotal World Cup.
Picking the coach to lead that run is a key decision, one that U.S. Soccer leadership isn't rushing. The federation named Anthony Hudson as interim coach for the annual January camp, which saw a loss and a draw against Serbia and Colombia, respectively.
Gregg Berhalter, by all accounts, remains in the mix to stay on, but bringing him back is now even more complicated amid revelations about his past and a feud with the Reyna family.
An ugly domestic violence incident from 30 years ago has been dragged up, creating a bitter feud between Berhalter and the Reynas that has thrown the U.S. into turmoil.
Adding to the chaotic nature of all of this is the departures of sporting director Earnie Stewart and general manager Brian McBride, the men who were expected to lead the coaching search. Now, U.S. Soccer will need to fill their jobs before deciding on a coach and, as a result, the new USMNT boss may not be confirmed until summer.
Is all of this enough to officially end Berhalter's tenure? It's too soon to truly say, although it isn't looking great for him. If the U.S. does move on, there are plenty of intriguing options to lead the team towards the 2026 World Cup.
GOAL looks at the leading candidates below...