USMNT signs assistant coach Andreas Herzog to contract extension

Jurgen Klinsmann is keeping his top assistant on staff for another World Cup cycle. Andrea Herzog confirmed that he had signed a four-year extension with the United States.

"My contract will be extended for another four years," Herzog told Austrian TV.

Martin Vazquez has been Klinsmann's closest assistant, but he was fired just before the World Cup. That left Herzog as the top man left, and Klinsmann wants to make sure he stays around.

Herzog had a long playing career, highlighted by a long, successful stay at Werder Bremen, as well as a stint with Bayern Munich. The midfielder was also capped 103 times by Austria and finished his career with the LA Galaxy in 2004.

Herzog has been applauded by Klinsmann for his tactical work and his advance scouting, but his biggest asset may be in player recruitment. Herzog has been a regular in watching European-based Americans, and especially those who are dual nationals yet to pick an international team. He was instrumental in landing Julian Green, as well as a few others, and figures to continue making himself a regular presence at training sessions and matches of every American in Europe, whether they have picked a national team or not.