Former USMNT international Michael Bradley has joined his father Bob Bradley’s coaching staff at Norwegian side Stabaek.
The 36-year-old former midfielder announced his retirement this month and played the final match of his professional career on Saturday as his Toronto side were beaten by Orlando in their last fixture of the 2023 MLS season.
Bradley played under his father at Toronto between 2021 and 2023. They also were together when Bradley Snr was coach of the USMNT from 2006 to 2011.
A Stabaek statement read: “We welcome Michael, and really anyone named Bradley, to Nadderud!
“We look forward to getting to know Bob’s son better, who will join his father and contribute to the coaching team throughout the season.”
Bradley Snr is in his second spell in charge of Stabaek, having taken the role in September. He previously coached the side between 2014 and 2015, becoming the first men’s coach from the United States to manage in the European top flight.
Bradley Jnr retired having played 287 MLS games and ranking third in the all-time appearances for the USMNT with 151. He was given a guard of honour before kick off against Orlando on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of his final game, he emphasised his desire to pursue a coaching career.
“I’m really excited for the next chapter of my life and my career, and I’m as motivated as can be to try to coach and become the best possible coach I can be, to coach at the highest level I can,” Bradley said. “I know just because you’ve played doesn’t mean you will be able to coach, you have to be ready to start at the bottom again, to put in the time, to do everything it takes.”
Stabaek are in a relegation battle this season and sit 14th in Eliteserien, the Norwegian top flight. They return to action on Saturday with a trip to seventh place Sarpsborg.
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Toronto FC’s Bradley retiring at end of season
(Photo: Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)