In a huge move for American soccer coaching, Bob Bradley has taken over as manager of Swansea in the English Premier League.
Bradley becomes the first American to manage in not just the Premier League, but also in any of the so-called top five European leagues (Italy, Spain, Germany and France).
Americans Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan bought a majority stake in Swansea in July. Levien is also a co-owner of Major League Soccer club D.C. United, has worked in multiple NBA front offices and is currently a part owner of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Bradley’s move to the Welsh club comes while the team is 17th in the Premier League standings. The Swans are 1-5-1 and are only above the relegation line by goal differential. Swansea removed Francesco Guidolin as manager and replaced him with Bradley.
Bradley’s coaching career began in the collegiate ranks, including an assistant coaching job at Virginia under current LA Galaxy manager and former U.S. National Team manager Bruce Arena. Bradley was also an assistant under Arena at D.C. United in MLS’ first season.
Two years later, Bradley became the Chicago Fire’s first head coach and led the club to its only MLS Cup title in its inaugural season in 1998. He stayed with the Fire through the 2002 season when he left to take over the New York/New Jersey Metrostars, now the New York Red Bulls.
Bradley later took over as U.S. National Team manager after the 2006 World Cup and led the Americans out of the group stage in 2010, winning a group that included England. Since being fired in 2011, Bradley has led Egypt, Norwegian club Stabaek and most recently French second-tier club Le Havre.
Chicago Fire
Given the perception of American soccer internationally, Bradley’s tenure at Swansea will be watched closely. Swansea has been in the Premier League since the 2011-2012 season and has finished as high as eighth and only as low as 12th in its five seasons in the English top flight.