USWNT to Sign Emma Hayes As Head Coach

The U.S. Soccer Federation’s board of directors has appointed Chelsea manager Emma Hayes as the new head coach of the U.S. women’s national team. Hayes would leave the Women’s Super League team at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 season according to those briefed on the hiring process. They were allowed to remain anonymous because they were not allowed to publicly discuss the choice.

Hayes’ departure was revealed by Chelsea earlier on Saturday. She has been appointed as the new head coach of the U.S. women’s national team by the U.S. Soccer Federation’s board of directors.

The board’s approval was first reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer. According to the Athletic based in the UK stated that Hayes’ deal will set a record for women’s football with other sources verifying the claim. The topic of raising Hayes’ pay to match that of U.S. men’s national team manager Gregg Berhalter was going to be mentioned during the board meeting. Most people consider Hayes to be one of the best managers in the women’s game.

Twila Kilgore has been USWNT’s temporary coach since Andonovski left the position following the team’s earliest-ever Women’s World Cup exit—a round of 16 loss to Sweden. Hayes will depart Chelsea at the conclusion of the Women’s Super League (WSL) season “to pursue a new opportunity outside the WSL and club football,” the team revealed in a statement on Saturday after a 6-0 thumping of Aston Villa.

She is expected to balance her roles with Chelsea and the USWNT until the WSL season ends. Concacaf W Gold Cup matches are scheduled for February 20, 2024, and March 10, 2024. Chelsea will play league matches against Manchester City on February 18 and Leicester City on March 3 at this time.

Concerns have also been raised over the potential effects of working two jobs on the USWNT’s Summer Olympics preparations in 2024, however there are high hopes that she can cope. Hayes has won five League Managers Association Manager of the Year awards and six FA WSL Manager of the Season awards. FIFA awarded her the title of Best Football Coach in 2021.