Story perspectives

Philadelphia Union Fires Coach, Names Interim Amid 1-10-4 Slump

5/28/2026

Summary

Union Fires Coach

The Philadelphia Union fired head coach Bradley Carnell on May 27, 2026.
Jon Scheer, with the Union since 2018, was appointed sporting director.
Ryan Richter, head coach of Union II, was named interim head coach of the first team.
Owner Jay Sugarman praised Carnell’s professionalism, trusted Richter, and said the club entered the World Cup break with a league-worst 1-10-4 record while searching for a permanent coach.

Summary

Union Resumes

The Union will resume action on July 22, 2026, against the New York Red Bulls in its post-World Cup match.
Although suspended, Ernst Tanner arranged signings of Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes, Jack Elliott, Mikael Uhre and Julian Carranza, and interim coach Ryan Richter, a No. 5 overall MLS Supplemental Draft pick, has a seven-year playing career.
The club will launch a search for a permanent head coach during the two-month World Cup break, restructuring.

Summary

Scheer Takes Over

Jon Scheer, who joined the Philadelphia Union in 2018 as Director of Academy and Professional Development, will now oversee all sporting operations, including recruitment and scouting.
Owner Jay Sugarman said the club is entering a new chapter focused on development, ambition, and sustained success for supporters.
Interim coach Ryan Richter received ownership confidence to guide the transition, while outgoing coach Bradley Carnell thanked staff and players for their dedication.

Summary

Carnell Departs Union

Bradley Carnell guided the Union to the 2025 Supporters’ Shield and earned the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award.
He was hired as the club’s fourth head coach in January 2025 after that championship season.
In his farewell remarks, Carnell thanked fans, players and staff and called the relationships proud and gratifying.
The Union’s 1-10-4 start this season starkly contrasts with the championship-winning campaign that earned those honors.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 2008, the Philadelphia Union dismissed John Hackworth in June 2014 and promoted Jim Curtin, who later earned the 2020 Supporters’ Shield and Coach of the Year honors. Owner Jay Sugarman, who assumed control in 2015, has again altered the staff, as seen when Bradley Carnell was hired in 2025, while minority owner Kevin Durant remains involved.

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Union Fires Coach

The Philadelphia Union fired head coach Bradley Carnell on May 27, 2026.
Jon Scheer, with the Union since 2018, was appointed sporting director.
Ryan Richter, head coach of Union II, was named interim head coach of the first team.
Owner Jay Sugarman praised Carnell’s professionalism, trusted Richter, and said the club entered the World Cup break with a league-worst 1-10-4 record while searching for a permanent coach.

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