Former USMNT Midfielder Jermaine Jones Named Head Coach of Central Valley Fuego FC
Former USMNT midfielder Jermaine Jones has been appointed as the head coach of USL League One club Central Valley Fuego FC, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The news was communicated to the players through an official club communication obtained by The Athletic, stating that a new head coach would join the club on November 1, 2023. The sources have requested anonymity as they are not authorized to publicly discuss the talks.
Jermaine Jones, 41, is a well-known figure in American soccer, having earned 69 caps for the USMNT during his playing career. He is best remembered for his remarkable goal in a 2-2 draw against Portugal during the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Jones last played in Major League Soccer (MLS) with the LA Galaxy in 2017 and concluded his playing days with the indoor team Ontario Fury from 2019-2020.
Since retiring from professional soccer, Jones has been vocal about his coaching aspirations. He currently serves as an assistant manager for the U.S. U-19 youth national team and has held coaching positions with Real So Cal in 2018 and New Amsterdam FC in 2021. He has been part of the U.S. U19s since 2022 and holds a UEFA Pro coaching license, as stated on his Transfermarkt page and confirmed in various interviews.
Jones has openly expressed his frustration with the challenges he faced in securing a coaching job. In a February 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, he questioned why other individuals were being given opportunities while he, with his extensive playing experience and coaching credentials, was being overlooked. However, his time with U.S. Soccer seems to have made a positive impression on his players. Santiago Suarez, a U.S. youth international center back, described Jones as a great coach and expressed his admiration for the knowledge and skills he imparted.
In a recent interview with Forty-One Magazine, Jones discussed how his experiences in both Germany and the United States have shaped his coaching philosophy. He highlighted the disciplined and structured approach in Germany and the athleticism and strength of American players, which allows him to assess his players holistically.
Central Valley Fuego FC just completed its second season in the USL League One, a third-division league. Unfortunately, they finished at the bottom of the table among 12 teams. The team was initially coached by Martín Vásquez, a former assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann and manager of Chivas USA. However, Vásquez left the position in the middle of the 2023 season, and the team played under interim management for the remainder of the campaign. Additionally, their average attendance dropped from 1,396 fans per game in their first season to just 701 fans per game at Fresno State Soccer Stadium.
With Jermaine Jones taking over as head coach, Central Valley Fuego FC hopes to turn their fortunes around. Jones brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, both as a former player and a coach. His appointment has generated excitement among fans and players alike, who are eager to see his impact on the team’s performance.
As the new season approaches, Central Valley Fuego FC will be looking to rebuild and improve their standing in the league. With Jermaine Jones at the helm, there is renewed optimism for the future of the club. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the start of the season to witness the changes and improvements that Jones will bring to the team’s playing style and overall performance.
In conclusion, Jermaine Jones’ appointment as head coach of Central Valley Fuego FC marks an exciting new chapter for both the club and Jones himself. With his extensive playing experience, coaching credentials, and passion for the game, Jones is poised to make a significant impact on the team’s fortunes. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Central Valley Fuego FC to see how they fare under their new leader.