Arena eyes new challenge as San Jose Earthquakes coach - ESPN

The San Jose Earthquakes signed Bruce Arena to be the team's sporting director and manager, the former LA Galaxy and United States coach told ESPN on Wednesday.

Arena's dual role is similar to his previous stops with the Galaxy and New England Revolution, with general manager Chris Leitch retaining his position but now reporting to Arena, a club source said. It's still to be determined what staff members will be retained.

An official announcement was expected Thursday morning.

«I think it's an interesting job. It's certainly going to be challenging,» Arena told ESPN. He added that he was impressed by the proposed level of commitment from owner John Fisher, as well as the rest of the club's front office staff.

«They were very impressive and they're committed to making this club better,» Arena said. «I think there's potential there to develop the club into a team that can certainly be better than they've demonstrated over the last couple of years.»

Arena, 73, will take over a San Jose team that went through a brutal 2024 season, finishing last in the league with only 21 points from 34 games and a record of 6-25-3. The second-worst point total was 30 by Chicago Fire FC.

San Jose also set a dubious MLS record by conceding 78 goals. The Quakes started the season with Luchi Gonzalez as manager, but he was dismissed in late June, with assistant coach Ian Russell managing the team on an interim basis for the balance of the season. As such, the team is in need of a complete rebuild.

Arena has proven himself adept at rebuilding jobs, having resurrected the Galaxy when he took over in 2008, and ultimately leading them to three MLS Cup titles. He did the same with the Revs starting in 2019, and leading them to a Supporters' Shield