Union hire Bradley Carnell as new head coach

01/02/2025 10:22 AM

For the first time in 11 years, the Philadelphia Union will have a new head coach on the sidelines.

Bradley Carnell has been named the Union’s new head coach heading into the 2025 MLS season, the club announced. Carnell most recently served as head coach of St. Louis CITY SC in 2023-24 and brings 10 years of professional coaching experience to the table.

Bradley has the attributes we were looking for in a manager and the experience needed as we commit to getting back to our identity as a team,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “With knowledge of both MLS and international markets, he is tactically astute and aligned with our sporting strategy. His approach emphasizes a high-press style of play while organizing a structured defense. Additionally, he shares the club’s vision for developing players. We are confident he will bring a clear sporting philosophy that elevates the team and delivers a competitive season. We look forward to welcoming him to Philadelphia.”

The 47-year-old Carnell was St. Louis CITY SC’s inaugural head coach, registering a 22-15-25 in regular season play. St. Louis led the Western Conference regular season standings in 2023.

Prior to his move to Missouri, Carnell served as assistant manager and interim head coach of the New York Red Bulls from March 2017-January 2022. He helped guide the Red Bulls to the 2018 Supporters' Shield.

As a player, Carnell earned 42 caps with the South Africa men’s national team, featuring at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The Union are coming off a disappointing 2024 season which saw longtime head coach Jim Curtin fired last fall. Philadelphia failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs