The Philadelphia Union have fired head coach Bradley Carnell after a disappointing start to the 2026 MLS season, where the team sits at the bottom of the league standings. Last season, Carnell led the Union to a Supporters’ Shield victory in his first year, but the team's performance has drastically declined, resulting in just seven points from 15 matches. Following a winter where key players were traded and turmoil at the club's leadership level, the decision aligns with a growing trend of midseason coaching changes in MLS, now totaling seven this season. Sporting director Ernst Tanner is currently suspended, leaving academy director Jon Scheer as the interim sporting director. This dismissal marks Carnell's second consecutive midseason firing after a promising initial year in coaching.

By the Numbers
  • Philadelphia Union's current record: 1-10-4, totaling just 7 points.
  • Seventh coaching change in MLS within just 15 weeks of the season.
State of Play
  • Union's struggle follows a successful 2025 season where they won the Supporters' Shield.
  • Team is currently the lowest-ranked in the league going into a two-month break for the World Cup.
What's Next

With the coaching vacancy, the Union may seek a new head coach to revitalize the team before the season resumes. The club will need to address both player performance and overall management to improve standings. The future hiring will likely be watched closely given the current turmoil and high turnover of coaches in MLS this season.

Bottom Line

The firing of Bradley Carnell highlights the challenges of maintaining success in professional sports, especially after a standout first year. Teams like the Union must ensure continuity and stability in leadership to avoid the pitfalls of overreliance on initial successes, particularly in a competitive league like MLS.