MLS off‑season hires graded as Michael Bradley takes Red Bulls job

Goal reports MLS clubs have completed a wave of head-coach appointments during the off‑season, including Michael Bradley’s promotion to New York Red Bulls and Raphael Wicky’s arrival at Sporting KC.

Bradley’s move is his first top‑level managerial role in professional soccer. The 38‑year‑old, a former Red Bulls midfielder, stepped up from New York Red Bulls II after a short spell in first‑team coaching and a title-winning MLS Next Pro campaign; his side were the highest‑scoring team in the playoffs. He is expected to favour a 4‑3‑3 aligned with the Red Bull philosophy but remains inexperienced in top‑flight management, and was given a grade of A‑ in the outlet’s assessment.

Sporting KC’s appointment of Wicky comes as the club rebuilds under a new sporting director. Wicky prefers possession‑based systems such as a 4‑4‑2 diamond (and has at times used a 3‑4‑3), and enjoyed success with Young Boys in 2022 and 2023. Concerns remain about whether his two‑striker approach suits Sporting KC’s current squad and about his previous MLS spell, when he won 12 games in two years for Chicago; he was graded B.

The piece notes that not every hire will succeed: several appointments bring clear upside but also carry real risk, with questions about experience, tactical fit and whether fresh ideas or familiar faces best serve clubs aiming to return to the top of the standings.

Key Topics

Sports, Michael Bradley, Raphael Wicky, Sporting Kc, Tata Martino, Atlanta United