Philadelphia Union's Bradley Carnell Takes Top Coaching Honor

South African tactician Bradley Carnell named MLS Coach of the Year

Bradley Carnell makes history. The South African tactician wins 2025 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award.

Taking over from Jim Curtin, the two-time Coach of the Year winner in 2020 and 2022, 48-year-old Bradley Carnell led the Union to new heights...

Bradley Carnell, the brilliant South African coach, has been crowned the 2025 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year! What a achievement for the Philadelphia Union's tactician.

In a remarkable turnaround, Carnell led the Philadelphia Union to the top of the league, securing the Supporters' Shield in 2025 after taking the reins in January. The team had finished 23rd in 2024, making this year's achievement all the more impressive.

The Philadelphia Union dominated the league with 66 points (20-8-6), representing a staggering 29-point improvement from the previous year. Their impressive defensive record saw them concede just 35 goals, the fewest in the league, and they lost only one home game all season.

@philaunion made history this year and it all started with the man in charge.

Your Coach of the Year, Bradley Carnell. 💪 pic.twitter.com/0xLR7iTAku

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 6, 2025

Taking over from Jim Curtin, the two-time Coach of the Year winner in 2020 and 2022, 48-year-old Bradley Carnell led the Union to new heights. Securing 37.78% of the total votes, Carnell outperformed Jesper Sorensen of Vancouver Whitecaps (26.53%) and Mikey Varas of San Diego FC (19.82%). The MLS club technical staff, media members, and players cast their votes to determine the winner. With an impressive football background, Carnell played for South Africa in the 2002 World Cup and had a successful stint in Germany's Bundesliga.

Leadership, vision, results. 👏

Bradley Carnell is the 2025 Sigi Schmid @MLS Coach of the Year!#DOOP pic.twitter.com/Y8rQgO2xRk

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) November 6, 2025