Bruce Arena, the most successful manager in MLS history, will try to turn around the worst team in the league.
Arena told ESPN on Wednesday that he is joining the San Jose Earthquakes as a director and athletic director. According to the report, Arena’s arrival will likely be announced on Thursday.
Arena has led teams to five MLS Cup championships – the only head coach/manager to win the title more than twice. He guided DC United to the crown in 1996 and 1997, and was in charge when the Los Angeles Galaxy won in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
He is also the league’s winningest coach in regular season wins (262) and regular season wins (35).
Most recently, Arena was the sporting director and manager of the New England Revolution, but resigned from the team in September 2023 amid an MLS investigation for “unfair and insensitive remarks.”
ESPN reported that Arena was cleared by MLS commissioner Don Garber last December to return to the league. Arena told ESPN about the circumstances surrounding his move to New England, “It was just the staff joking around in private. I accept any criticism and move forward.”
The Earthquakes went 6-25-3 (21 points) this year, allowing an MLS-record 78 goals. Manager Luchi Gonzalez was fired in June, and Ian Russell served as interim coach.
“I already know that we want to bring three to five new players at least,” Arena told ESPN. “We’re going to target some guys and try to lure them to San Jose.
“You can’t change twelve players in one year, so I think we have to be patient. I think the list is much better than what they showed this past year. It’s not a list of 21 points. Is it a list of 30 points? Is it a list of 50 points, I don’t know, but the plan is more powerful than what they showed in 2024?
–Field Level Media
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