Canada gets new national coach: John Herdman joins Toronto FC

“Contribution to Canada unmatched”

Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Co. get a new national coach. The Football Association of Canada announced on Monday that John Herdman is stepping down to take over as head coach at Toronto FC. The 48-year-old has been in charge of the national team since 2018 and last year qualified for a World Cup with the North Americans for the first time since 1986. He scored an average of 1.98 points from 58 games.

“John Herdman is the most accomplished head coach in Canada Soccer history. Having led the women’s national team to two Olympic bronze medals, paved the way for the 2020 gold medal and led the men’s national team back to the FIFA World Cup – John’s contribution to football in Canada is unmatched,” said Union President Charmaine Crooks. “We would like to thank John for his immense contribution to Canadian football and wish him well in his new role at Toronto FC.”

Davies defends title: CONCACAF Player of the Year since 2013

2013 | Oribe Peralta | Mexico (Santos Laguna)

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2014 | Keylor Navas | Costa Rica (Real Madrid)

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2015 | Chicharito | Mexico (Bayer 04)

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2016 | Bryan Ruiz | Costa Rica (Sporting)

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2017 | Keylor Navas | Costa Rica (Real Madrid)

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2018 | Hirving Lozano | Mexico (PSV Eindhoven)

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2021 | Alphonso Davies | Canada (Bayern)

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*The award was not given in 2019 and 2020

2022 | Alphonso Davies | Canada (Bayern)

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Herdman stated, “I’m grateful for the incredible opportunity to have represented Canada over the past 12 years, for the moments I’ve been able to share with the players, the team and the fans. I came from New Zealand in 2011 with the aim of changing the game in our country and I have made many deep connections through experiences at London 2012, a home World Cup in 2015, Rio 2016, World Cup 2022 qualifiers and the FIFA football World Cup Qatar 2022. The goal has always been to leave football in a better shape and I am confident that we have achieved that goal for Canada.”

The association also announced that Mauro Biello, who has been Herdman’s assistant since March 2018, will take on the role of interim coach. Herdman will be working with Biello through September to ensure a seamless transition. Meanwhile, the search for a new head coach begins. Herdman’s new assignment at Toronto FC will start on October 1st.

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