John Herdman leaves men’s national team for Toronto FC job

John Herdman, who has coached both the women’s and men’s national soccer teams, has taken the head coaching job with Toronto FC, the football club announced on Monday.

The departure from his role with the men’s national program is effective immediately. Herdman is expected to sign a multi-year contract with Toronto FC.

Herdman will support Canada Soccer with the transition of his current role and assume coaching responsibilities with Toronto FC as of October 1.

“I’ve had a great relationship with John over the years and have always been impressed with his ability to get the most out of his teams,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “John is more than just a coach. He’s a great leader and a culture builder. We look forward to John having the same positive impact with TFC as he has had with Canada Soccer.”

He's no stranger to BMO Field. Welcome, Gaffer ????

Toronto FC name John Herdman as Head Coach#TFCLive

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) August 28, 2023

Herdman said he was “keen to start this new opportunity with Toronto FC.”

“Personally, it’s the right time for me to step into a new challenge in my career, and the structure of a club environment is a context I’ve aspired to operate in,” Herdman said in a team statement.

“Having access to connect and collaborate with the staff and players daily allows for a different depth of development and connection, both on and off the pitch. To continue my coaching journey in a Canadian city that I know well, playing at BMO Field — a stadium where I’ve experienced some of my favourite sporting moments, with incredible fans, is quite amazing.

“There’s work to be done, and we recognize that transformational change takes time. We understand what it will take to make a difference, and I am committed to getting this city and club where it belongs,” Herdman said.

The 48-year-old held a 62-32-14 record as head coach of the Canadian Women’s National Team (CWNT) and a 36-14-8 record as head coach of the Canadian Men’s National Team (CMNT). Canada Soccer confirmed Herdman’s departure from the program. There is no word on Herdman’s replacement.

“John Herdman is the most successful head coach in the history of Canada Soccer. From leading the Women’s National Team to back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, paving the way for their gold medal in 2020, and leading the Men’s National Team back to the FIFA World Cup, John’s contribution to the game in Canada is unmatched,” said Charmaine Crooks, President, Canada Soccer.

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Canada is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and the U.S., which automatically grants the team a spot in the tournament.

“We would like to thank John for his immense contribution to the game in Canada and wish him the very best in his new role at Toronto FC.”

John Herdman Departs Canada Soccer
Men’s National Team.#CANMNT

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) August 28, 2023

Herdman guided Canada to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 last year, but a dispute between the players and Canada Soccer has led to nasty infighting and organizational problems since the spot was booked last March.

Canada went 0-3 at the Qatar World Cup.

Herdman blasted Canada Soccer after the team lost the Nations League final to the United States, saying Canada is “not serious” about winning the World Cup.

Toronto FC fired head coach Bob Bradley in late June, naming Terry Dunfield interim coach. Toronto has yet to pick up a point since making the coaching change, losing seven matches in a row, including six in which it failed to score.

The team is winless in its last 12 matches, last picking up three points on May 27 against D.C. United.

With files from Sportsnet staff