Philadelphia Union Part Ways with Head Coach Bradley Carnell Amid Struggles
The Philadelphia Union have made the decision to part ways with head coach Bradley Carnell, according to sources familiar with the situation. The team currently sits at the bottom of the league standings as MLS takes a break for the World Cup. Carnell had a successful first year with the club in 2025, leading them to win the Supporters’ Shield and earning the MLS Coach of the Year award. However, in 2026, the Union have struggled, only managing to secure seven points in 15 matches, the worst record in the 30-team league at the World Cup break.
Despite being one of the lowest-paying teams in MLS, the Union have invested significantly in their youth facilities. The club also made some key player moves in the winter, parting ways with players like Kai Wagner, Tai Baribo, and Jakob Glesnes. Additionally, there has been upheaval in the club's leadership, with sporting director Ernst Tanner currently serving a suspension for violating professional conduct standards. Academy director Jon Scheer has taken on the role of interim sporting director during Tanner's suspension.
This marks Carnell's second season as head coach of the Union, following a similar pattern to his previous coaching stint in MLS. He was previously let go by St. Louis City midway through his second season with the club after a decline in performance. The decision to part ways with Carnell is the seventh coaching change in MLS this season, with other teams like Orlando City, CF Montréal, Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, Austin FC, and the Portland Timbers also making midseason coaching changes.
The Union will have some time to regroup as they do not play again until July 22 when MLS resumes after the World Cup break. The team will be looking to turn their season around under new leadership and make a push for a better performance in the second half of the season.