Bruce Arena Returning to MLS?

Could Bruce Arena return to Major League Soccer? Sources close to The Athletic say yes.

© J. Alexander Dolan

On Friday, The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Pablo Mauer, and Paul Tenorio dropped a bombshell report on the potential future of former New England Revolution Head Coach and Technical Director Bruce Arena.

According to The Athletic, Arena has thrown his hat into the ring for D.C. United’s open head coaching role. The position opened on October 7th after the club and Wayne Rooney agreed to part ways. Rooney returned to England to accept the head coaching position with Championship side Birmingham City on October 11th.

While Arena is interested in returning to D.C. United, the club is reportedly looking to secure a General Manager first. While sources close to The Athletic state Arena is a candidate, the newly hired GM will have final say in selecting the club's next head coach.

Arena famously managed D.C. during the first few years of Major League Soccer’s existence as he led United to a Concacaf Champions Cup, a Supporters’ Shield, and two MLS Cup victories from 1996 to 1998.

Bruce’s tenure in New England ended ugly as the Revs placed Arena on administrative leave on August 1st as the league investigated “insensitive and inappropriate remarks.” After roughly six weeks on administrative leave, Arena announced his resignation moments following September 9th’s 1-1 draw on the road against Minnesota United.

It’s worth noting that following the league’s investigation into the matter, Arena must submit a petition to MLS Commissioner Don Garber to re-enter Major League Soccer.