Emma Hayes Named Head Coach of US Women’s National Team on Historic Contract
In a groundbreaking move, Emma Hayes has been announced as the new head coach of the United States women’s national team, securing a contract that will see her lead the team through 2027. This appointment not only marks a significant moment in women’s soccer but also makes Hayes the highest-paid women’s soccer coach in the world.
Hayes’ salary is set to rival that of U.S. men’s national team manager Gregg Berhalter, emphasizing the value placed on her expertise and leadership in the sport. However, it is important to note that the intention behind Hayes’ impressive salary was not solely to achieve equal pay, but rather to entice her away from her successful tenure at Chelsea.
While the official commencement of her role as USWNT manager will be after Chelsea’s season concludes in May, interim manager Twila Kilgore will continue her duties until then. Kilgore will later join Hayes’ staff as a full-time assistant, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in the team’s management.
Hayes will face a race against time to prepare the USWNT for the highly anticipated 2024 summer Olympic Games in Paris. With only four matches to fine-tune tactics and strategies, the pressure will be on for Hayes to guide the team to success on the international stage.
Discussions are ongoing between U.S. Soccer and Chelsea regarding the level of interaction and collaboration Hayes will have with the USSF hierarchy and USWNT staff over the coming months. This indicates a desire for cohesion and cooperation between both organizations, ultimately serving the long-term future of the program.
Securing Hayes as the head coach is perceived as a major coup for U.S. Soccer, given her well-established reputation as one of the top managers in women’s soccer. Her impressive track record includes leading Chelsea to an incredible six WSL titles, five women’s FA Cups, and two FA Women’s League Cups.
Hayes’ appointment marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s soccer, highlighting the continued progress and recognition of talented female coaches. With a trailblazer like Hayes at the helm, the USWNT looks set to build on their successes and conquer new horizons in the coming years.
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