B.J. Callaghan elevated to USMNT interim head coach as Anthony Hudson leaves role

The U.S. men’s national team will have a new face leading the program for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup tournaments.

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker today announced Tuesday that B.J. Callaghan will serve as head coach, taking over for Anthony Hudson who is departing for a new opportunity. Callaghan, who has served as assistant coach of the USMNT for the last four years, is currently the longest-serving member of the technical staff.

Callaghan was originally hired in 2019 as a strategy analyst before being promoted to assistant coach. U.S. Soccer’s search for a permanent head coach is also underway.

“B.J. has been an integral part of the USMNT staff during the last four years as this young team has grown and developed,” Crocker said. “Working alongside Anthony Hudson these last five months, we are confident he is prepared and ready to lead this group in the summer tournaments. We are grateful to Anthony for the tremendous job he did and wish him success in the future.” 

“I understand the responsibility of the job and am honored to have the opportunity to build upon the progress this group has made the last four years,” Callaghan said. “Together, we have built a strong culture and a great understanding of how we want to play, and we expect to continue to build on that progress. Our goal is clear: defend both of our Concacaf titles.”  

The 41-year-old Callaghan previously was with the Philadelphia Union for seven years, first with the Union Academy for two years and then five years as a first team assistant coach to Jim Curtin. A former player at Ursinus College, Callaghan served as an assistant at Villanova University.  

Hudson departs after having served as an assistant coach for the USMNT since 2021 before taking the helm as interim head coach in January 2023. With wins against Grenada and El Salvador in March, Hudson advanced the team to the Concacaf Nations League Final Four as well as the Gold Cup where they will defend both titles. During Hudson’s tenure in charge, he continued the effort to pursue dual nationals that resulted in a number of players (Folarin Balogun, Timothy Tillman) choosing to represent the United States. 

“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to be part of such a great team of players and staff,” Hudson said. “It’s been an honor to represent the National Team and one that I have truly valued and enjoyed. The group is in good hands with B.J., and I’m excited to watch and support the team as it continues to grow and reach the heights we all know they are capable of.”  

The USMNT faces rivals Mexico on June 15 in Las Vegas, with either Canada or Panama awaiting them in the finals on June 18, should they advance.