Bradley Carnell, who was celebrated for leading the Philadelphia Union to a Supporters’ Shield win in 2025, has been relieved of his duties as head coach. This decision follows a season of underwhelming performances, with the Union currently at the bottom of the MLS standings after 15 matches in 2026. According to sources, Carnell was let go after the team managed only seven points (1-10-4 record), the worst in the league at this stage of the season.

Carnell’s departure is the seventh coaching change in the MLS this season, joining teams like Orlando City, CF Montréal, and Inter Miami in making mid-season managerial shifts. The Union’s decision comes amid ongoing internal challenges, including the suspension of sporting director Ernst Tanner and the departure of key players such as Kai Wagner, Tai Baribo, and Jakob Glesnes this winter.

The club, which has the lowest payroll in MLS, has also faced scrutiny over its financial structure. While MLS Players Association figures do not account for transfer fees or infrastructure spending, Philadelphia is among the league’s top investors in youth facilities. Academy director Jon Scheer is currently serving as the interim sporting director, having previously held roles in the first team’s front office.

Carnell’s tenure with the Union mirrored his previous experience with St. Louis City, where he was also let go after a similar pattern of strong first-year performance followed by a steep decline in the second. This trend raises questions about the sustainability of his coaching strategies and the club’s ability to maintain success after an initial surge.

The Union will not play again until July 22, following the league’s pause for the World Cup. The club is now tasked with finding a new head coach to steer the team back to competitiveness in the second half of the season.