TORONTO, ON–Canadian men’s national team coach John Hermann has departed the position to take on the head coaching job at Toronto FC effective October 1st. This will be Herdman’s first foray into club management.
“I am keen to start this new opportunity with Toronto FC,” Herdman, 48, said in a release. “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. 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.
Herdman is the only man to have guided the men’s and women’s national team of the same country to World Cups. He led Canada at the 2015 Women’s World Cup which Canada hosted and bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Herdman moved to the men’s side in 2018 and guided them to their first World Cup since 1986 which included famous wins over Mexico in Edmonton and the USA in Hamilton during qualifying.
“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 to 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, Canada Soccer President in a statement. “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.”
“I am grateful for the incredible opportunity to have represented Canada for the past 12 years, for the moments I’ve been able to share with the players, the staff, and the supporters,” Herdman said. “The goal was always to leave the game in a better place and I’m confident that goal has been achieved for Canada.”
Canada was ranked 95th in the FIFA World Rankings when Herdman took over. Canada is currently ranked 43rd. Mauro Biello will take over the squad in the interim while a search for a permanent replacement goes on.
Herdman inherits a Toronto FC club that is currently bottom in Major League Soccer having sacked Bob Bradley on June 26th. Terry Dunfield is currently the interim coach. TFC are winless in their last 13 matches and winning just once in their last 19 in all competitions.
