John Herdman has stepped down as head coach of Canada's national men's soccer team and takes over as coach of Major League Soccer's Toronto FC. Herdman issues instructions as Assistant Coach Phil Neville looks on during first half CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage action against Guadeloupe in Toronto, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
TORONTO – John Herdman has spent more than a decade successfully leading Canada at the international level.
Now the longtime soccer coach faces perhaps his most challenging task of all – restoring Major League Soccer club Toronto FC to its former glory.
Herdman stepped down as coach of Canada’s men’s team on Monday and was named head coach of TFC, taking over from interim skipper Terry Dunfield. He will assume coaching responsibilities as of October 1.
Herdman inherits a TFC club that has struggled mightily this season and sits in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-13-10 record.
He comes to MLS after 13 successful years coaching Canada at the international level.
He is the first manager to lead both a women’s and men’s team from the same country to World Cup qualification.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 28, 2023.
