Head of Sport Jochen Schneider and Head Coach Sandro Schwarz Out at Red Bull

Photo Credit: Getty Images

It's been nine days since the New York Red Bulls season came to an end, the first time the team hadn't qualified for the MLS Playoffs in 15 seasons, and today the club announced a couple of major changes.

On Monday morning, New York announced that Sporting Director Julian de Guzman will assume the role of Head of Sport as part of the club’s "long-term succession plan", succeeding Jochen Schneider. Additionally, head coach Sandro Schwarz will not return as Head Coach for the 2026 season.

We are deeply grateful for all that Jochen has brought to our organization during his time here,” said Marc de Grandpré, President of the New York Red Bulls. Schneider is leaving his post at the club that he took over in 2022 after deciding to return home to be with his family in Europe.

"It has been an incredible privilege and honor to lead this extraordinary organization and work alongside such talented individuals,” said Schneider. “Over the past few years, I've poured my heart into this club, and I am immensely proud of what we've accomplished together. Mentoring Julian has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here, and I have no doubt that he is the perfect person to take the helm and lead the Red Bulls into their next chapter. While I will deeply miss this club, my family must come first, and I need to be with them. That said, I will always remain close to Julian and the Red Bulls, and I look forward to seeing the team’s continued success.”

Photo Credit: Getty Images

With Schneider departing the club, it was also announced that head coach Sandro Schwarz, who brought Red Bull to MLS Cup Final in 2024, would also not be returning next season. In two seasons at the club, Schwarz departs the club with a record of 31 wins, 29 losses, 21 draws, an Eastern Conference Championship, and an MLS Cup Final appearance.

"I would like to thank Sandro for the last two seasons, especially coaching this team during a memorable 2024 Playoff run," said Schneider. "His dedication to the job was outstanding, and I truly wish him nothing but the best in his future coaching endeavors." Schwarz's top assistant Volkan Bulut will also not return, and the search for a new Head Coach begins immediately.

There will certainly be a lot of rumors over the next couple of months with people interested in being the next coach at Red Bull, but three early candidates to keep an eye on are former Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin, former Portland coach and MetroStars fan favorite striker Giovanni Savarese, and New York Red Bulls II boss Michael Bradley.