LAFC will be on the hunt for a new head coach for 2026.
Steve Cherundolo will step down as head coach at the end of the MLS season, the club announced Friday. Cherundolo served in the role since January 2022 after previously serving as head coach of USL side Las Vegas Lights.
“It is an honor to be the head coach of LAFC,” Cherundolo said. “After much reflection and discussion with my family, we made the decision that at the end of this year we will return to Germany. I love Los Angeles and LAFC, but this move is in the best interest of my family, even as it will ultimately take us away from a team, city, organization and fan base that I am proud to represent.
“I am looking forward to continuing our work with the players, coaches and staff to make the 2025 season a success as we keep fighting to win trophies,” he added.
The 46-year-old currently holds a 87-43-26 record across all competitions. Cherundolo helped LAFC win the 2022 MLS Cup, as well as the 2022 Supporters’ Shield, and 2024 U.S. Open Cup.
A former U.S. men’s national team player, Cherundolo was previously linked with the USMNT head coaching vacancy prior to Mauricio Pochettino’s hiring.
LAFC recently suffered elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup and sits seventh in the MLS’ Western Conference.
I mean I can’t imagine why someone who lived in Germany for nearly 20 yrs and his German wife would want to GTFO of the the US with their kids right now. (sarcasm)
I mean I can’t imagine why someone who lived in Germany for nearly 20 yrs and his German wife would want to GTFO of the the US with their kids right now. (sarcasm)
This surprises me. He is a southern Californian, having been raised in San Diego, went to high school there. I guessing it must be his wife wants to return to her native Germany.
He did spend 19 years in Hannover, maybe he likes Germany better than California.