HARRISON, New Jersey — Following the end of their historic 15-year playoff run. The New York Red Bulls announced significant changes to their sporting leadership structure on Sunday. Naming Julian de Guzman as Head of Sport beginning in 2026 as part of a long-term succession plan. Following the departure of Jochen Schneider and Head Coach Sandro Schwarz.
Schneider has served as the club’s sporting director since 2022. Will return to Europe to be with his family. Schwarz will not return as Head Coach for the 2026 season. The changes come as the Red Bulls look to refocus and build for future success.
De Guzman, a trailblazer in Canadian soccer, will assume the top sporting role. After just two seasons working alongside and being mentored by Schneider. The club will immediately begin the search for a new head coach.
De Guzman to Assume Head of Sport Role in 2026
Over the last two seasons, de Guzman has worked alongside and been mentored by Schneider. Since joining the club in 2024, Red Bulls II has secured first place in the Eastern Conference this season. They will soon play for the Eastern Conference Final under head coach Michael Bradley. Who is two games away from the MLS Next Pro finals.
A trailblazer in Canadian soccer, de Guzman made history as the first Canadian to play in Spain’s top division, La Liga, with Deportivo de La Coruña, where he was named Player of the Year in the 2007-2008 season.
On the international stage, de Guzman earned 89 caps for Canada, making him one of the most-capped players in the nation’s history. He was named Canadian Player of the Year in 2008, and his standout performances helped Canada reach the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, earning him All-Tournament Team honors in both 2007 and 2009.
Schneider Departs to Be with Family in Europe
Jochen Schneider, who has been with the club since 2022, shared that his decision was motivated by the need to prioritize his family, who are based in Europe.
“It has been an incredible privilege and honor to lead this extraordinary organization and work alongside such talented individuals,” Schneider said. “Over the past few years, I’ve poured my heart into this club, and I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Mentoring Julian has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here, and I have no doubt that he is the perfect person to take the helm and lead the Red Bulls into their next chapter. While I will deeply miss this club, my family must come first, and I need to be with them. That said, I will always remain close to Julian and the Red Bulls, and I look forward to seeing the team’s continued success.”
Schneider’s Tenure: Signings and Development
During his tenure, Schneider played a pivotal role in shaping the New York Red Bulls’ recent success. His vision and expertise were instrumental in bringing standout players like Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to the team, who combined for an impressive 44 goal contributions this season alone.
Under his leadership, the club secured the Eastern Conference Championship in 2024 and made history by becoming the first club to have five different players born in New York or New Jersey start an MLS Cup Final.
In addition to signing impact players, he has identified and prioritized the development of emerging talent. Under Schneider’s direction to nurture young players, the First Team currently has 12 Academy players on the roster. The organization saw 13 youth national call-ups this season.
Marc de Grandpré Thanks Schneider, Expresses Confidence in De Guzman
Red Bulls President Marc de Grandpré expressed gratitude for Schneider’s contributions while expressing confidence in de Guzman’s ability to lead the organization forward.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Jochen has brought to our organization during his time here,” de Grandpré said. “Jochen’s expertise and leadership were instrumental in assembling a team that has competed at the highest level. While we are saddened to see him depart, he will always be part of the family. We fully respect his decision and wish him and his family all the best in the days and months ahead.”
“At the same time, we know Julian will build on Jochen’s great work and continue to strengthen the foundation that has been set,” de Grandpré added.
Sandro Schwarz Will Not Return as Head Coach
Sandro Schwarz, who joined the Red Bulls ahead of the 2024 MLS season, will not return as Head Coach for the 2026 season.
Schwarz made an immediate impact, leading the team to an Eastern Conference Championship and the club’s second MLS Cup Final appearance. Under his leadership, the Red Bulls recorded 23 regular-season victories and advanced to the later stages of the U.S. Open Cup.
De Grandpré thanked Schwarz for his dedication over the past two seasons.
“We would also like to thank Sandro for his dedication in leading our team on the pitch over the last two seasons,” de Grandpré said. “His professionalism and commitment have left a lasting impact on the organization, and we will always remember him for securing our first Eastern Conference Championship.”
Schneider also expressed gratitude for Schwarz’s contributions.
“I would like to thank Sandro for the last two seasons, especially coaching this team during a memorable 2024 Playoff run,” Schneider said. “His dedication to the job was outstanding, and I truly wish him nothing but the best in his future coaching endeavors.”
Assistant Coach Volkan Bulut Also Departing
Additionally, Assistant Coach Volkan Bulut will not return for the 2026 season.
Head Coach Search Begins Immediately
The search for a new Head Coach begins immediately. The leading candidates for the job are Michael Bradley, Giovanni Savarese, Ronny Deila, Ibrahim Sekagya, and the long shot is Jim Curtin, who would want Julian de Guzman’s job as well as the head coaching title to take the gig.
Bradley: The Homegrown Legend Already in the Building
A compelling internal candidate is already within the Red Bulls organization: Michael Bradley, the current Red Bulls II head coach, who has the second team just two games away from the MLS Next Pro Cup final.
A New Jersey native and legendary U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder known as “The General,” Bradley brings a unique combination of elite playing experience, tactical acumen, and deep understanding of the Red Bulls’ developmental philosophy. The Princeton-born midfielder earned 151 caps for the United States, captaining the national team and playing in two World Cups. His 17-year professional playing career included stops at the MetroStars/Red Bulls, Heerenveen, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo, Roma, Toronto FC, and LAFC, where he won multiple MLS Cups and established himself as one of the greatest American midfielders of all time.
Since taking over as Red Bulls II head coach, Bradley has demonstrated his ability to develop young talent while maintaining the club’s high-pressing, possession-based style. His success in leading Red Bulls II to first place in the Eastern Conference and within two games of an MLS Next Pro championship showcases his tactical sophistication and ability to maximize player potential. Bradley’s familiarity with the organization’s culture, his status as a homegrown talent who understands the New York/New Jersey soccer landscape, and his proven leadership on the biggest stages make him a natural fit to step up to the First Team. With the 2026 World Cup coming to the region, having a coach with Bradley’s international pedigree and local roots could prove invaluable as the Red Bulls look to build their next championship-contending roster.
Savarese Emerges as Intriguing Candidate with Red Bulls Ties
As the Red Bulls begin their coaching search, one name that could generate significant interest is Giovanni Savarese, currently a Spanish-language studio analyst for MLS Season Pass, providing commentary on MLS 360, La Previa, and El Resumen.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Savarese has had a highly successful career as a player, coach, sporting director, and broadcaster. He became one of the original players in Major League Soccer, selected ninth overall by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in the league’s inaugural draft in 1996. He scored the first goal in team history against the LA Galaxy on April 13, 1996. During a 20-year professional playing career (1986-2005), Savarese played in MLS, Primera División (Venezuela), EFL Championship, EFL League 1, Serie C (Italy), and USL. He also earned 30 caps and scored 10 goals for the Venezuelan National Team.
Savarese transitioned into coaching and player development in 2005, first as Director of Youth Development Programs for the MetroStars/New York Red Bulls. He served as head coach and sporting director for the New York Cosmos from 2012-17 and led the club to three regular-season titles and three NASL Soccer Bowl championships. He was head coach for the Portland Timbers from 2018-2023, leading the team to a pair of Western Conference titles and MLS Cup runner-up finishes (2018, 2021). They also won the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020 and made the U.S. Open Cup semifinals in 2019 under his direction. Fluent in four languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, English), Savarese worked as an analyst for ESPN’s MLS coverage from 2006-17. His deep ties to the Red Bulls organization, proven track record of success at multiple levels, and experience developing young talent make him an intriguing candidate as the club looks to build toward the 2026 World Cup.
Deila: The MLS Veteran with Eastern Conference Experience
Ronny Deila represents another intriguing option for the Red Bulls, bringing extensive MLS experience and deep familiarity with the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. The Norwegian manager currently serves as head coach of Standard Liège in Belgium’s Pro League, but previously led New York City FC from 2020-2021 and Atlanta United, giving him valuable experience navigating the unique demands of Major League Soccer.
Deila’s coaching resume includes winning two Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic (2014-15, 2015-16) and leading Vålerenga to the Norwegian Cup in 2008. His tactical philosophy emphasizes high pressing, quick transitions, and developing young players—principles that align with the Red Bulls’ organizational identity. During his time at NYCFC, Deila guided the club through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and laid the groundwork for their eventual MLS Cup championship in 2021 under his successor. His experience with Atlanta United further solidified his understanding of MLS roster rules, salary cap management, and the league’s competitive balance. Deila’s familiarity with the Eastern Conference, combined with his success in European competitions and his proven ability to develop young talent while competing for championships, makes him a candidate who could bring fresh tactical ideas while understanding the specific challenges of building a winner in MLS.
Sekagya: The Development Specialist with Red Bulls DNA “It Is The Red Bull Way”
Ibrahim Sekagya represents a fascinating internal option, having served within the Red Bulls organization in various coaching capacities. The Ugandan former defender brings a unique perspective shaped by his playing career in MLS and his deep understanding of player development within the Red Bulls system.
Sekagya’s playing career included stops with the Red Bulls, where he made 44 appearances and won the Supporters’ Shield in 2013, as well as stints with Seattle Sounders and other clubs. His transition into coaching has been marked by a focus on developing young talent and maintaining the high-intensity, pressing style that defines Red Bulls soccer. Having worked closely with the organization’s Academy and development programs, Sekagya understands the pipeline of talent coming through the system and has established relationships with many of the young players who could form the core of the First Team’s future. His experience as a player in MLS gives him credibility with the locker room, while his coaching development within the Red Bulls organization ensures continuity with the club’s tactical identity and developmental philosophy. Sekagya’s promotion would represent a commitment to internal development and a belief in the strength of the Red Bulls’ coaching pipeline.
Curtin: The Wildcard with Dual-Role Ambitions
Jim Curtin represents perhaps the most intriguing wildcard in the Red Bulls’ coaching search. The longtime Philadelphia Union head coach was fired at the end of the 2024 season after a decade of building one of MLS’s most consistent and successful programs, reaching the MLS Cup Final in 2022 and consistently developing young talent through the Union’s renowned Academy system.
Since he departed from Philadelphia, Curtin has been selective about his next opportunity. He was long rumored to be Atlanta United’s top choice, but the club’s new sporting director ultimately went against team owner Arthur Blank’s preference and hired Ronny Deila instead—a decision that backfired when Atlanta missed the playoffs in 2025. Curtin also reportedly turned down the New England Revolution job after Caleb Porter was let go before the 2025 season ended, suggesting he is waiting for the right fit.
Sources indicate that Curtin would only consider the Red Bulls position if offered a dual role that includes both head coaching responsibilities and the Head of Sport position currently designated for Julian de Guzman. Such a demand would represent a dramatic restructuring of the organization’s leadership model and could create significant complications with de Guzman’s planned promotion. Curtin’s tactical acumen, player development expertise, and ability to build sustainable success on a modest budget made him one of the most respected coaches in MLS during his Union tenure. However, the logistical and organizational challenges of meeting his reported demands—combined with speculation that he may still be waiting for the Atlanta United job to open up again—make this scenario a long shot at best. Still, if the Red Bulls are willing to offer unprecedented control over both on-field tactics and roster construction, Curtin’s track record and availability could make him a transformative hire.
Red Bulls News:
- Red Bulls II Advance to MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final with Thrilling 5-3 Victory Over Chicago Fire FC II
- Red Bulls 2 selected and ready to face Chicago Fire 2
- Red Bulls II Dominate Carolina Core, 5-1, Advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals
- Red Bulls Season Finale ends with a loss at Columbus
Summary of Leadership Changes
Julian de Guzman:
- Promoted to Head of Sport (effective 2026)
- Joined the Red Bulls organization in 2024
- 89 caps for Canada, Canadian Player of the Year (2008)
- First Canadian to play in La Liga (Deportivo de La Coruña Player of the Year, 2007-08)
- CONCACAF Gold Cup All-Tournament Team (2007, 2009)
Jochen Schneider:
- Departing to return to family in Europe
- With the club since 2022
- Signed Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (44 combined goal contributions, 2025)
- Led club to 2024 Eastern Conference Championship and MLS Cup Final
- 12 Academy players on First Team roster
- 13 youth national call-ups in 2025
- First club to have five NY/NJ-born players start MLS Cup Final
Sandro Schwarz:
- Will not return as Head Coach for the 2026 season
- Joined the club in 2024
- Led Red Bulls to 2024 Eastern Conference Championship and MLS Cup Final
- 23 regular-season victories
- Advanced to later stages of the U.S. Open Cup
Volkan Bulut:
- Will not return as Assistant Coach for the 2026 season
Potential Head Coach Candidates
Giovanni Savarese:
- Current MLS Season Pass analyst
- Scored first goal in Red Bulls/MetroStars history (1996)
- Former Director of Youth Development for MetroStars/Red Bulls
- 3 NASL championships with New York Cosmos (2012-17)
- 2 MLS Cup Finals with Portland Timbers (2018, 2021)
- MLS is Back Tournament champion (2020)
Michael Bradley:
- Current Red Bulls II head coach
- New Jersey native, 151 USMNT caps
- Red Bulls II: 1st place Eastern Conference, 2 games from MLS Next Pro Cup
- Former MetroStars/Red Bulls player
- Multiple MLS Cup winner as a player
Ronny Deila:
- Currently available after Atlanta United tenure
- Former NYCFC head coach (2020-21), laid the groundwork for the 2021 MLS Cup
- Former Atlanta United head coach (2025, missed playoffs)
- 2 Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic
- Extensive MLS experience
Ibrahim Sekagya:
- Red Bulls organization coaching staff
- Former Red Bulls player (2013 Supporters’ Shield)
- Player development specialist
- Deep understanding of the Red Bulls’ system
Jim Curtin (Wildcard):
- Available after Philadelphia Union firing (end of 2024 season)
- Philadelphia Union head coach (2014-2024)
- 2022 MLS Cup finalist
- Renowned Academy development and player promotion
- Turned down New England Revolution job (2025)
- Rumored Atlanta United target (passed over for Deila)
- Would reportedly require a dual Head Coach/Head of Sport role
- Selective about the next opportunity
Stay Connected with the Red Bulls
Don’t miss a single update on the Red Bulls’ coaching search, roster moves, and breaking news as the club builds toward the 2026 season and World Cup.
Subscribe to our Premium Red Bulls Newsletter for exclusive insider analysis, behind-the-scenes access, tactical breakdowns, and everything you need to know about your New York Red Bulls.
Limited Time Offer: Just $12.50/year – Prices increasing soon!
For more New York Red Bulls coverage, MLS news, and breaking updates, visit our social media platforms.
Discover more from Bad Dawg Media Group
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
