The Union have fired Bradley Carnell, and Ernst Tanner is out as sporting director
Inquirer.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Philadelphia Union fired manager Bradley Carnell after a dismal start to the 2026 MLS season, with the team holding a 1-10-4 record and last place in the league during the World Cup break.
- Carnell, who won the Supporters’ Shield and was named Coach of the Year in 2025, saw his team struggle following a major roster overhaul and a six-game losing streak to start the season.
- Ryan Richter, the Union’s reserve team coach and former player, has been named interim manager as the club begins a global search for a permanent replacement.
- Jon Scheer was promoted to sporting director after Ernst Tanner was suspended in March due to a league investigation into discriminatory behavior; Tanner remains in a restorative program but is no longer in charge of the role.
- Carnell expressed gratitude to the club and fans in his departure statement, while the Union’s management faces scrutiny over whether the team’s poor performance is due to coaching or player issues.