First candidate for USMNT GM emerges

Along with a new president, the USSF will introduce a new “General Manager” role to its rank of positions soon. The role of this person will be to oversee each of the men’s and women’s programs and decide on the technical aspects of day-to-day operations.

Reports indicate that there will be two positions, one for the USMNT and one of the USWNT. While it’s not known when these positions will be filled, we have our first name supposedly under consideration for the men’s side.

SI.com’s Grant Wahl reports that Seattle Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey is a possible candidate for the job and is being considered by new president Carlos Cordeiro.

Lagerwey, 45, joined the Sounders in 2015 after eight seasons building a perennial powerhouse with Real Salt Lake. He has won an MLS Cup with both franchises.

It’s safe to assume that the hiring of a GM will come before the USMNT’s managerial vacancy is filled as the GM will play in an important role in deciding who to hire. The Major League Soccer season begins in less than three weeks, so any hire from within the league could complicate matters for whichever team loses an important part of their front office.

What are your thoughts on Lagerwey as a possible GM for the U.S. men’s national team? Let us know in the comments.