Toronto FC announced today that it has named Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach John Herdman as the club’s Head Coach. Herdman, 48, will support Canada Soccer with the transition of his current role and assume coaching responsibilities with the club as of October 1.
“I’ve had a great relationship with John over the years and have always been impressed with his ability to get the most out of his teams,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “John is more than just a coach. He’s a great leader and a culture builder. We look forward to John having the same positive impact with TFC as he has had with Canada Soccer.”
At the international level, the English native brings years of experience and success to the club, having managed New Zealand (2006-2011) and Canada (2011-2018) Women’s National Teams and most recently the Canadian Men’s National Team (2018-2023). Throughout his career, Herdman has coached in one FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022), two Concacaf Gold Cups (2019, 2023), two Concacaf Nations League (2019-2020, 2022-2023), three FIFA Women’s World Cups (China 2007, Germany 2011, Canada 2015), three Summer Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016) two FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups (Russia 2006, Chile 2008) and one Pan American Games (Mexico 2011).
“I am keen to start this new opportunity with Toronto FC. Personally, it’s the right time for me to step into a new challenge in my career, and the structure of a club environment is a context I’ve aspired to operate in. Having access to connect and collaborate with the staff and players daily allows for a different depth of development and connection, both on and off the pitch,” said Herdman. “To continue my coaching journey in a Canadian city that I know well, playing at BMO Field – a stadium where I’ve experienced some of my favourite sporting moments, with incredible fans, is quite amazing. I want to thank President Bill Manning and MLSE for trusting me with this project. I am motivated to work with this team and an organization of this calibre.
There’s work to be done, and we recognize that transformational change takes time. We understand what it will take to make a difference, and I am committed to getting this city and club where it belongs.”
Born in Durham, England, Herdman took over the Men’s program in 2018 and enjoyed a successful tenure leading the Canada Men’s National Team (CMNT) to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Final of the 2023 Concacaf Nations League. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf Qualifiers, Canada topped Mexico and made history on March 27, 2022, when Les Rouges defeated Jamaica by a score of 4-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 36 years (Mexico 1986). During that period, he managed Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio, a mainstay in Herdman’s side who played a key role in the qualifiers that saw Canada finish top of the Concacaf qualifying region with 28 points. Under his leadership, Canada reached 33rd in the FIFA World Rankings in February 2022 – the country’s highest men’s ranking to date.
“I am happy to welcome John as the new head coach of Toronto FC,” said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez. “I look forward to our collaboration together as we work to build and improve our club in every facet.”
Before working with CMNT, Herdman enjoyed a successful seven-year period from 2011 to 2018, leading Canada Women’s National Team (CWNT) to finish as group winners and reach the quarterfinals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. In his first year, he led Canada to their first-ever Gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games (Guadalajara, Mexico) after defeating Brazil 4-3 on penalties. Herdman also guided Canada to back-to-back Olympic Bronze medals at the 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio) Summer Olympic Games.
Herdman became the first manager to lead both the women’s and men’s national teams to a FIFA World Cup. He held a 62-32-14 record as Head Coach of the CWNT and a 36-14-8 record as Head Coach of the CMNT.
Herdman began his coaching career as a Development Coach with the Sunderland A.F.C. Academy in England. The Englishman joined the New Zealand Football (NZF) Association in 2003. Three years later, he was appointed Head Coach of the New Zealand Women’s National Team, leading the U-20 team to the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship and the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and also led the senior team to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (Beijing) as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2007 and 2011.
Herdman’s coaching staff will be announced at a later date.
