Philadelphia Union Shake-Up: Head Coach Bradley Carnell Departs as Jon Scheer Named Sporting Director

The Philadelphia Union have announced a significant restructuring of their sporting leadership. The club confirmed on Wednesday that head coach Bradley Carnell has departed, and Jon Scheer has been appointed as the new sporting director. The changes arrive as the team navigates a challenging 2026 campaign, currently sitting at the bottom of the league table.

A Challenging Season for the Union

The transition comes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, with Philadelphia facing a difficult run of form. The team is currently winless in its last eight matches, holding a record of one win, 10 losses, and four draws. This performance follows a period of transition for the roster, which saw the departure of several consistent starters from previous seasons, including Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes, Tai Baribo, and Mikael Uhre. The club has been managing the recovery of homegrown standout Quinn Sullivan, who is sidelined with a torn ACL.

Principal owner Jay Sugarman addressed the coaching change, stating, “On behalf of the Philadelphia Union organization, I want to thank Bradley for his dedication and commitment to the club during his time here. He brought professionalism and passion to his role, and we appreciate everything he has contributed to the team and the organization. We are confident that he will find success in his future coaching endeavors.”

Leadership Transition

While the club conducts a global search for a permanent manager, Ryan Richter will serve as the interim head coach. Richter brings familiarity to the role, having previously served as a first-team assistant from 2022 to 2024 under Jim Curtin. Since January 2025, he has led the Philadelphia Union II squad in MLS NEXT Pro.

Simultaneously, the club has finalized its leadership in the front office. Jon Scheer, who has been with the organization since 2018, will step into the role of sporting director. Scheer has previously served as the director of academy and professional development and acted as interim sporting director while Ernst Tanner is on administrative leave.

In his new capacity, Scheer will oversee all sporting operations, including player recruitment, scouting, roster management, and the club’s long-term competitive strategy. “Jon has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a deep understanding of our club philosophy, and a clear vision for the future of the Philadelphia Union,” Sugarman noted. “As we enter a new chapter for the organization, we are confident in Jon’s ability to lead our sporting operations and get us back on track with a culture centered around development, ambition, and sustained success.”

Looking Ahead

The Union are set to return to competitive play on July 22, when they host Red Bull New York. For the organization, the focus remains on stabilizing the team’s performance and realigning with the core values that have defined the club’s identity.

“This club has built a strong identity rooted in development, hard work, and a winning culture, and I understand the responsibility that comes with leading that vision forward,” Scheer said. “I’m committed to helping drive the Union back to the standard our supporters, organization, and community expect.”

Key Takeaways

• Coaching Change: Bradley Carnell has parted ways with the club; Ryan Richter will serve as interim head coach.
• Front Office Update: Jon Scheer has been appointed as the new sporting director, overseeing all sporting operations and technical strategy.
• League Standing: The Union resume their season on July 22 against Red Bull New York following the World Cup break.
• Strategic Focus: The club is emphasizing a return to a culture of development and sustained success following a period of significant roster turnover.