John Herdman Steps Down as Toronto FC Head Coach After 15 Months
Big changes are coming to Toronto FC as the club announced on Friday that head coach John Herdman has officially resigned. After just 15 months at the helm, Herdman, 49, has decided to step away, leaving the team searching for a new leader to guide them into the future. The news comes after a challenging season for Toronto, which saw them finish with an 11-19-4 record and miss out on the MLS Cup playoffs.
Herdman, who was hired in August 2023, released a heartfelt statement explaining his decision. “Personally, I have made the difficult decision that it’s the right time for me to step away from the club, as the organization defines its vision for the future,” he said. “It has been an honor to wear the Toronto FC crest and contribute to the growth of the club. Working with this dedicated group of players and staff has been a true privilege.”
While Herdman’s tenure was short, it wasn’t without its moments. Under his leadership, Toronto FC reached the League’s Cup group stage and made it to the Canadian Championship final. However, the team struggled to find consistent success, finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing record. Herdman’s overall record as head coach stands at 16-22-6.
What’s Next for Toronto FC?
With Herdman stepping down, Toronto FC president and CEO Keith Pelley has confirmed that the search for a new head coach will begin immediately. The club now joins a growing list of MLS teams currently in need of a head coach, including New York City Football Club, Atlanta United, the Philadelphia Union, and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
For Toronto, the timing of Herdman’s departure adds another layer of complexity to an already turbulent period. The team has struggled to regain its footing in recent years, and finding the right coach will be critical to turning things around. Fans will be watching closely to see who the club brings in to lead the next chapter of its journey.
Herdman’s Legacy: A Mixed Bag
Herdman’s time with Toronto FC will likely be remembered as a period of transition. After leaving his role as head coach of the Canada national team to join Toronto, there were high hopes that he could bring a fresh perspective and new energy to the club. While there were glimpses of promise, the results ultimately fell short of expectations.
One of the more controversial moments of Herdman’s tenure came earlier this season when he and two of his players were suspended for one match following a post-match melee with New York City FC. Incidents like this, combined with the team’s struggles on the field, made for a challenging environment.
Despite the difficulties, Herdman expressed gratitude to the fans and the organization in his farewell statement. “I also want to thank the incredible fans for the support they’ve shown me both on and off the pitch,” he said. “I wish the organization success going forward, and I look forward to the next chapter in my career.”
MLS Coaching Carousel in Full Swing
Herdman’s resignation is just the latest in a series of coaching changes across the MLS. With several teams now in search of new leadership, the offseason is shaping up to be a busy one for front offices around the league. Here’s a quick look at the teams currently hunting for a head coach:
- Toronto FC
- New York City Football Club
- Atlanta United
- Philadelphia Union
- Vancouver Whitecaps
For Toronto, the decision on who to hire next will be crucial. The team needs a coach who can not only deliver results on the field but also help rebuild the culture and identity of the club. With the MLS becoming increasingly competitive, the margin for error is slim.
Looking Ahead
As Toronto FC begins its search for a new head coach, fans are left wondering what the future holds. Will the club find the right person to lead them back to contention? Or will the struggles of recent years continue? One thing is certain: the next few months will be critical in shaping the direction of the team.
For Herdman, the resignation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. While his time with Toronto FC may not have gone as planned, his experience and passion for the game will undoubtedly open doors for future opportunities. As he looks ahead to the next phase of his career, the soccer world will be watching to see where he lands next.
Stay tuned as the MLS offseason drama unfolds. With coaching vacancies to fill and rosters to rebuild, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. For Toronto FC, the clock is ticking to find the right leader to guide them into a brighter future.
Originally Written by: Unknown
