USMNT names B.J. Callaghan new interim coach ahead of Gold Cup

May 30, 2023

The U.S. Men’s National Team has a new interim coach, with B.J. Callaghan taking over duties after Anthony Hudson stepped down from the position.

Callaghan will lead the team through the CONCACAF Nations League Finals and Gold Cup as Hudson departs for a job in the Middle East after five games as the interim coach, according to The Athletic.

“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to be part of such a great team of players and staff,” Hudson said in a statement. “It’s been an honor to represent the national team and one that I have truly valued and enjoyed.”

Callaghan joined the US program in 2019 became and assistant in 2021, staying in the position for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“B.J. has been an integral part of the USMNT staff during the last four years as this young team has grown and developed,” sporting director Matt Crocker said. “Working alongside Anthony Hudson these last five months, we are confident he is prepared and ready to lead this group in the summer tournaments.

B.J. Callaghan arrives at the stadium before a game between Colombia and USMNT at Dignity Health Sports Park on January 28, 2023 — B.J. Callaghan arrives at the stadium before a game between Colombia and USMNT at Dignity Health Sports Park on Jan. 28, 2023.

“We are grateful to Anthony for the tremendous job he did and wish him success in the future.”

The top coaching gig for the USMNT had been in flux since the end of December when then-coach Gregg Berhalter’s contract expired.

Berhalter has been embroiled in a scandal since the winter when Danielle Reyna, wife of former USMNT star Claudio Reyna and mother of current USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna, revealed to US soccer executives in December about Berhalter kicking the coach’s now-wife Rosalind in the legs in 1992 while attending college.

The revelation came after Berhalter’s critical comments about Gio Reyna.

Berhalter admitted “sadness” in the wake of the information about the incident with his wife.

Gregg Berhalter salutes the fans after a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match — Gregg Berhalter salutes the fans after the team’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match.

A law firm’s report said Berhalter’s actions “likely constituted the misdemeanor crime of assault on a female,” but concluded that he did not withhold information about the incident from U.S. soccer.

In the midst of the scandal, sporting director Earnie Stewart and general manager Brian McBride left USMNT.

As for Callaghan, his squad will take on Mexico in the Nations League on June 16.

USMNT said it is still searching for a full-time coach.