Toronto FC names John Herdman as new head coach

Toronto FC appointed a familiar face to Canadian soccer fans on Monday with hopes of getting the club back on track.

John Herdman was named TFC’s new head coach, the club announced Monday. Herdman recently served as head coach of the Canadian men’s national team from 2018-23, leading them to the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

He will officially begin his new role on Oct. 1.

“I’ve had a great relationship with John over the years and have always been impressed with his ability to get the most out of his teams,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “John is more than just a coach. He’s a great leader and a culture builder. We look forward to John having the same positive impact with TFC as he has had with Canada Soccer.”

Herdman also was head coach of the New Zealand women’s national team from 2006-11 and the Canadian women’s national team from 2011-18. He registered a 98-22-46 record with the Canada men’s and women’s teams, leading the women’s team to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.

“I am keen to start this new opportunity with Toronto FC. Personally, it’s the right time for me to step into a new challenge in my career, and the structure of a club environment is a context I’ve aspired to operate in. Having access to connect and collaborate with the staff and players daily allows for a different depth of development and connection, both on and off the pitch,” said Herdman.

“To continue my coaching journey in a Canadian city that I know well, playing at BMO Field – a stadium where I’ve experienced some of my favourite sporting moments, with incredible fans, is quite amazing. I want to thank President Bill Manning and MLSE for trusting me with this project. I am motivated to work with this team and an organization of this caliber.”

Born in Durham, England, Herdman took over the Canada men’s national team in 2018. He led the Canadians to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years while Canada also reached its highest FIFA ranking to date in February 2022 (33rd).

Toronto FC has struggled for majority of the 2023 MLS season, currently sitting last in the Eastern Conference on 19 points. They have lost 10-straight matches across all competitions, including two group stage matches at the recent 2023 Leagues Cup.