Chelsea manager Emma Hayes named USWNT head coach, set to join ahead of Paris 2024
The Chelsea FC women’s manager is set to assume the role of the United States women's national team next summer, just two months before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Football
The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Emma Hayes as the head coach of the United States women's national team (USWNT).
Hayes, who has managed the Chelsea FC women’s team for the past 11 seasons, will complete the 2023-24 Women’s Super League campaign with the English club before joining the USWNT just two months prior to the football tournament at Paris 2024.
“This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history. The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true,” Hayes told US Soccer.
Until Hayes takes over the team, Twila Kilgore will serve as the interim head coach, transitioning to the role of assistant coach afterwards.
“Her (Twila Kilgore) stewardship will be crucial during this period as we are focused on success at the Olympics. Emma has endorsed Twila, she will be a key part of Emma’s staff when she arrives and moving forward, and we are excited for what’s to come with our USWNT program,” U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said.
During her tenure as Chelsea manager, Hayes has secured 13 trophies with the Blues, including six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups, and reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in 2021. In the same year she was named the Best FIFA Women’s Football Coach.
According to the Athletic, Hayes has signed a deal, which makes her the highest-paid coach in women’s football.
The USWNT experienced their earliest exit at a Women's World Cup this summer, which led to Vlatko Andonovski resigning from his role as head coach.