GOAL takes a look at the managerial changes across MLS in 2024, and how remaining vacancies may be filled

Nick Cushing, John Herdman and Vanni Sartini are the latest managers to get caught up in the MLS coaching carousel. They were the 10th, 11th and 12th managers to be removed from their positions this MLS season, as it's been a challenging campaign for individuals on the touchline.

Regardless of success in previous seasons, or even impressive playoff runs in 2024, clubs seem to have very little margin for error. In fact, more than a third of the league’s teams have changed managers in 2024.

Shocked? You shouldn’t be.

When 2023 MLS Coach of the Year finalist Bradley Carnell was fired by St. Louis CITY in July, it showed the nature of the business. Now, as the 2024 MLS season nears completion, five sides – Atlanta United, Philadelphia Union, NYCFC, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps – all still have openings.

So what's happened in 2024 to provoke so much change? The introduction of Lionel Messi in Miami in 2023 put eyes on MLS from all over the world, for one, and there seems to be little space on the touchline for underperforming. The margins are more important than ever, and for the five teams still with vacancies, they cannot afford to get their next hire wrong.

GOAL explores where Toronto, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Vancouver and New York should go next.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowImagnThe carousel begins

Gary Smith of Nashville SC was the first manager to be fired this season, with the Englishman getting the sack on May 16, and three more firings followed in June – FC Dallas, Atlanta United and San Jose. The first shocker came on July 1, though, when CITY fired Carnell.

That was the tipping point for the league. Seven of the eventual 12 vacancies have since been filled, some immediately, and some over time.

ClubOutgoing coachInterim coachIncoming coachInter MiamiTata MartinoN/AJavier MascheranoVancouver WhitecapsVanni SartiniN/ATBDAustin FCJosh WolffN/ANico EstevezFC DallasNico EstevezPeter LuccinEric QuillAtlanta UnitedGonzalo PinedaRob ValentinoTBDPhiladelphia UnionJim CurtinN/ATBDChicago FireFrank KlopasN/AGregg BerhalterSt. Louis CITY SCBradley CarnellJohn HackworthOlof MellbergSan Jose EarthquakesLuchi GonzalezIan RussellBruce ArenaNashville SCGary SmithRumba MunthaliB.J. Callaghan NYCFCNick CushingN/ATBDToronto FCJohn HerdmanN/ATBD

There are still five vacancies, with each presenting its own unique opportunity. How do those teams capitalize?

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPhiladelphia Union

Who's out?

Jim Curtin was removed from his position after missing the 2024 postseason. It was a shocking dismissal, considering he is widely-viewed as one of the best coaches in the league. However, ownership and Curtin apparently "were not aligned" with the club's mission.

Pros and cons of the job

The obvious strength for the job is you have access to the best academy in MLS, and, you are being put on the touchline to mentor perhaps the most exciting prospect in American soccer in Cavan Sullivan. The Union's youth has always propelled them to success, and Sullivan is arguably the best player in his age group across North America – and one of the best in the world.

In terms of weaknesses, though, you won't have a large transfer budget, nor will you have access to big-name players that other teams are signing. The Union have always worked with little and found success, so it's hard to see them pivoting from that.

Where do they go from here?

It's evident the Union aren't going to pursue a flashy hire, nor are they going to spend big on one. Somebody such as Rob Valentino, who impressed in his debut stint on the touchline in MLS as Atlanta United's interim manager in 2024, would make sense. Looking at former Austin FC manager, Josh Wolff, would be sensible, too. He's a former U.S. international who knows the league well, and would potentially be a good mentor for their young core – including the Sullivan brothers, Cavan and Quinn.

IMGANAtlanta United

Who's out?

Gonzalo Pineda was removed his position on June 3 after a rough start to the season. After being brought into the club in 2021, he missed the postseason in 2022, and in 2023, they were knocked out in the opening round of the postseason. The final string was losing five consecutive home matches at the start of 2024.

Pros and cons of the job

Atlanta have the most exciting opening of any MLS team this offseason. They have the finances and roster spots to completely revamp their roster. Potentially, we they could have two U22 initiative signings, two new DP's and a new GM – and they just re-signed 2024 MLS Playoff hero Brad Guzan after upsetting Inter Miami in the playoffs. It's more than an enticing job, it's a competitive one that many coaches will be vying for.

Where do they go from here?

Valentino seemed likely to be in the mix after his brilliant takeover in 2024, but he announced his departure last week. Now, club president Garth Lagerway and the are set to undergo an in-depth hiring process. The obvious move, though, is Jim Curtin. The ex-Union boss is one of MLS' most successful managers, and he's achieved so much with so little over the years. If you give him money to spend to build an elite roster, it could be a great fit.

Getty Images SportVancouver Whitecaps

Who's out?

Vanni Sartini was dismissed after Vancouver was eliminated after a closely-contested Round One playoff series against LAFC. The Whitecaps smashed the Portland Timbers 5-0 in the Eastern Conference Wildcard match, but fell to the No. 1 seed in the opening round.

Sartini didn't excel with Vancouver, but he didn't underperform either. Notably, though, he was outspoken on a number of topics. In 2023, he was initially suspended for six matches for comments aimed at a referee following a postseason exit, though that was later reduced to four games. After their 2024 season came to an end, it seemed as though it was just the right time for both parties to move on.

Pros and cons of the job

The Whitecaps have an important offseason ahead. They have Ryan Gauld in his prime years, Brian White playing excellent, and a terrific defensive pairing with centerbacks in Tristan Blackmon and Ranko Veselinovic, with Scottish veteran Stuart Armstrong in the midfield. Elsewhere, though, a lot of their roster feels replaceable.

Notably, though, they don't have a ton of room regarding high-profile player. They have maxed out their DP and U22 slots at the moment, so any additional upgrades will come in the form of TAM or GAM signings.

Where do they go from here?

They need to target a coach who can get the most out of the current group, while using the transfer market to elevate the team. The ambitious answer is Pellegrino Matarazzo, a German-American coach who has lived in Europe since 2000 – and has constantly been talked about as a potential MLS coach. He was sacked from his role as Hoffenheim manager after a poor start to the season, and is available. It would be a flashy hire, and potentially one that could draw talent to the club.