Former United States men’s national team midfielder Michael Bradley has embarked on a new journey in his soccer career. After retiring from professional soccer following Toronto FC’s final game of the MLS regular season, the 36-year-old has joined the coaching staff at Norwegian club Stabaek. What makes this venture unique is that Stabaek is managed by Michael’s father, Bob Bradley.
Upon the announcement of Michael Bradley’s arrival at Stabaek, the club expressed their excitement in a post on social media. “We welcome Michael, and really everyone named Bradley, to Nadderud!” exclaimed Stabaek. They eagerly anticipate getting to know Bob’s son better, as Michael joins his father to contribute to the coaching staff for the remainder of the season.
This is not the first time Michael Bradley has been coached by his own father. From 2006 to 2011, Bob Bradley was at the helm of the USMNT where he had the opportunity to guide his son on the international stage. Furthermore, Bob also managed Michael during his time at Toronto FC from 2021 to 2023. The father-son duo now reunites at Stabaek, creating a sense of familiarity and shared experience within the coaching staff.
Bob Bradley’s coaching journey has taken him across the globe. Prior to his current position at Stabaek, he previously managed the team during the 2014-15 season. Additionally, he has managed clubs such as Le Havre in France and even became the first American coach to lead a Premier League club, Swansea City, in 2016. Despite his dismissal after only 11 matches in charge, Bradley Sr.’s extensive coaching experience adds a valuable perspective and knowledge base to the Stabaek coaching staff.
Michael Bradley is undeniably one of the most decorated players in the history of the USMNT. Since his debut in 2006, he has earned 151 caps, ranking him third all-time among U.S. men’s players. Notably, he represented the United States in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and played a crucial role in securing two Concacaf Gold Cups in 2007 and 2017. Bradley’s playing career also saw him make a name for himself in Europe, beginning with German club Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga. He later had a brief loan spell at Premier League side Aston Villa and ventured to Italy, playing for Chievo Verona and Roma.
One of Michael Bradley’s highlights came during his time with Toronto FC. In 2017, he captained the team to a historic treble, winning the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and Canadian Championship. As he moves into the next phase of his career as a coach, Bradley will undoubtedly draw upon his extensive experience and success on the field to guide and inspire the players at Stabaek.
In the realm of parent-child relationships and the world of soccer, the Bradley legacy now extends to the coaching staff at Stabaek. With Michael Bradley joining his father Bob at the Norwegian club, a new chapter unfolds for this talented father-son duo. As they collaborate and contribute their expertise, the Stabaek coaching staff stands to benefit from their shared experiences and deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game.
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