John Herdman Emerges as Potential Candidate for Toronto FC Head Coaching Job
John Herdman, the head coach of Canada’s men’s national team, is reportedly being considered for the vacant head coaching position at Toronto FC, according to sources familiar with the hiring process. While Herdman has not had a formal interview, he has engaged in informal conversations with TFC to discuss the job requirements.
Other prospective coaches who have had formal interviews for the position include Bobby Smyrniotis, the head coach of the Canadian Premier League’s Forge FC, and Carl Robinson, the current assistant coach of D.C. United. Toronto FC has been without a permanent head coach since parting ways with former head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley in June. Terry Dunfield has been serving as interim head coach, with Jason Hernandez as sporting director.
Herdman’s contract as Canada’s men’s national team head coach runs through the 2026 World Cup. Despite not having a formal interview, the discussions between Herdman and TFC suggest mutual interest from both parties.
In his current role, Herdman has been credited with overhauling the Canadian men’s team’s backroom culture and identifying promising young players. Under his leadership, Canada qualified for the 2022 World Cup, their first qualification since 1986. However, the team’s performance has declined since then. They lost all three of their games at the World Cup and were defeated by the United States in both the Nations League finals and the 2023 Gold Cup.
These disappointing results, combined with off-field turmoil and contractual issues with Canada Soccer, have overshadowed the men’s national team in 2023.
So why would Herdman be interested in the Toronto FC job? Despite the team’s poor performance this season, TFC remains one of the highest spenders in MLS and boasts talented players on its roster. The opportunity to rebuild TFC and restore it to its former glory would be enticing for any prospective head coach. Additionally, TFC’s owners, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, have consistently provided significant financial resources. This is in contrast to Canada Soccer, which operates under dire financial conditions. Taking the TFC job would offer Herdman a chance to prove himself at the club level and potentially attract national team players ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, it raises the question of whether Herdman would leave Canada Soccer before the World Cup. Herdman has previously expressed his admiration for the opportunities that come with playing a World Cup on home soil, as he did with the women’s national team in 2015. It would require a lucrative offer to entice him away from his current position. Nevertheless, recent results and Herdman’s criticism of Canada Soccer’s financial constraints may have altered his outlook.
The potential appointment of Herdman as Toronto FC’s head coach would generate local interest in the club after a disappointing season. TFC President Bill Manning has expressed his desire to make the team a destination for national team players leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Acquiring Herdman could be a step in that direction.
In conclusion, John Herdman’s name has emerged as a potential candidate for the head coaching job at Toronto FC. While he has not had a formal interview, informal conversations with TFC indicate mutual interest. The opportunity to rebuild TFC and access consistent financial resources may be appealing to Herdman, who has experienced success at the international level. However, the allure of coaching Canada in the 2026 World Cup on home soil and recent criticisms of Canada Soccer’s financial situation may complicate his decision. Ultimately, the appointment of Herdman would bring attention and potentially attract national team players to Toronto FC.