Chelsea’s Emma Hayes named head coach of US Women’s National Team in record deal
The United States Soccer Federation announced on Tuesday that Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has been appointed as the new head coach of the United States Women’s National Team in a record deal.
The 47-year-old manager, who is known for her trophy-laden spell in charge of the English club, will become the highest paid women’s football coach in the world. She revealed earlier this month her plans to leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
In a statement confirming her appointment, Hayes expressed her honor at being given the opportunity to coach what she described as the “most incredible team in world football history.”
Although details of Hayes’ contract with US Soccer were not disclosed, ESPN reported that her deal would run through 2027 and see her earn a salary close to that of the US men’s football coach, Gregg Berhalter.
Hayes will finish her duties with Chelsea in the WSL before officially taking up her new role with the US team next year. She will be in charge when the team competes at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Regarded as one of the most respected figures in women’s football, Hayes led Chelsea to multiple titles and took the team to the final of the women’s Champions League in 2021. She was named FIFA’s women’s coach of the year that same year.
Hayes’ coaching career began in the United States in 2001, giving her a firsthand appreciation of the importance of the US Women’s National Team. She expressed her motivation to build on the team’s legacy and described the honor of being chosen as part of her lifelong dream.
US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker and president Cindy Parlow Cone both praised Hayes as an excellent leader and world-class coach who sets high standards for herself and everyone around her. Her extensive experience and coaching success made her the top choice for the position.
Hayes’ appointment comes after the US women’s team experienced a disappointing exit in the last World Cup, leading to the departure of former coach Vlatko Andonovski. She now faces the task of rejuvenating the squad and returning them to their dominant form in international women’s football.
