Former USMNT head coach Bruce Arena has resigned as head coach and sporting director of the New England Revolution.
The news was revealed just minutes after the conclusion of the Revs’ 1-1 draw with Minnesota United on Saturday. In a public statement, the two-time former USMNT coach apologized for his conduct after being placed under investigation by the MLS for over a month for alleged inappropriate remarks.
Statement from the New England Revolution pic.twitter.com/6xX4SfR5NM
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 10, 2023
Bruce Arena resigns for Revs post
In announcing his resignation, Arena spoke publicly for the first time about the investigation. “I know that I have made some mistakes,” Arena said.
Many consider Arena to be the greatest coach the USMNT ever had. In 2002, the New York native led the Stars and Stripes to the quarter-finals of the World Cup- the country’s best finish for 72 years.
After joining LA Galaxy in 2008, Arena led the Californians to three MLS Cups in a four-year span whilst building the squad around then-stars David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and all-time MLS great Landon Donovan.
Despite his gruffness, Arena’s man-management skills were seen as second to none by his players, who often came to his defense of the old-school boss. Ex-USMNT star striker Clint Mathis said during the build-up to the World Cup in South Korea and Japan in 2002, “Bruce lets you know where you stand.”
As late as 2021, Arena was named MLS Coach of the Year- the fourth of his career- and leaves the Revs in a healthy third spot in the Eastern Conference, making them still one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup this year.
