NEW YORK — Not today.
That was part of the message Under-20 U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Tab Ramos delivered last Friday when asked about his future interest in coaching a professional club. Ramos has often been rumored in the past to be in the running for managerial jobs in MLS and was even linked heavily with taking over at FC Dallas last fall, but none of that, nor the fact that he is in his fourth cycle as U-20 coach, has made him desperate to want to join the professional ranks.
It is a goal he has for his career, however.
“I would say at some point, yes, I would like to, but this is definitely not the time,” said Ramos. “I’m really happy to be going to the World Cup right now. so I’m happy with that.”
The 52-year-old Ramos is currently in his fourth cycle and eighth year as U-20 head coach, and has done decently in terms of results at the World Cups. His overall record in those competitions is 5-4-4, with a pair of quarterfinals appearances in 2015 and 2017 and one group-stage exit in 2013.
While he seems to have a good thing going with the U-20 U.S. team, it certainly would stand to reason that at some point he would want to pursue other opportunities, especially ones where he could do more of the day-to-day coaching. There are currently three managerial vacancies in MLS (FC Cincinnati, the New England Revolution, and Colorado Rapids), and one of those clubs without a permanent head coach could be tempted to try and bring him on board after the World Cup concludes.
Even if they chose not to, Ramos is likely to remain a top coaching candidate for future openings in MLS. His work with the U-20 U.S. side has made him an interesting option. It is just up to him to decide when the timing is right.
“Internally, I am really happy that I think I have made a difference,” said Ramos. “It’s not going to happen but if I had to leave U.S. Soccer tomorrow, I’m happy that I feel like I’ve made a difference on the field as a player and I’ve made a difference now as a coach. I’m really happy with that.”