Former UVA Coach Bruce Arena named new USMNT head coach

On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati named former Virginia head coach Bruce Arena as the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. Arena had previously led the U.S. Men’s National Team to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002, and has coached more wins in MNT history than any other head coach. He replaces Jurgen Klinsmann, who was removed from the position on Monday.

Head coach at Virginia from 1978-1996, Arena led the Cavaliers to five national championships, including four straight from 1991-1994 (1989 was the first-ever title for the Hoos). Since Arena took Virginia to the NCAA Tournament in 1981, the Hoos have never missed an NCAA appearance — the longest such streak across any NCAA sport.

Here is the USMNT’s announcement video:

Bruce Arena’s “experience at the international level, understanding of the requirements needed to lead a team through World Cup qualifying, and proven ability to build a successful team were all aspects we felt were vital for the next coach,” Gulati said in a released statement. “We all know Bruce will be fully committed to preparing the players for the next eight qualifying games and earning a berth to an eighth-straight FIFA World Cup in Russia.”

“Any time you get the opportunity to coach the National Team it’s an honor,” said Arena. “I’m looking forward to working with a strong group of players that understand the challenge in front of them after the first two games of the Hex. Working as a team, I’m confident that we’ll take the right steps forward to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.”

Congratulations to the former Wahoo helm!