Chelsea Coach to Join US National Team as Highest-Paid Women's Football Coach

Chelsea Football Club's manager, Emma Hayes, has confirmed her move to the United States women's national team, where she will assume the position of the world's highest-paid women's football coach. After completing the 2023/24 Women's Super League season with Chelsea, Hayes will transition to her new role two months ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Expressing her gratitude, Hayes stated, "Coaching the USA, the most renowned team in the history of women's football, is a great honor. I have always dreamt of this opportunity and feel a deep connection to this team and country. Achieving our goals of consistent success at the highest level will demand dedication, teamwork, and collaboration from the players, staff, and all members of the US Soccer Federation." Hayes, who began her coaching career in the US, hopes to conclude her tenure with Chelsea by securing the elusive Women's Champions League title this season. Despite reaching the semi-finals on three occasions, the 47-year-old has not yet lifted the coveted trophy, including a defeat in the 2021 final against Barcelona. Recognized for her contributions to football, Hayes received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022 and was named FIFA Best Women's Coach in a previous year, surpassing Sarina Wiegman. Following an extensive global search, US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker found the replacement for interim coach Twila Kilgore. The United States' women's team experienced a disappointing elimination in the last 16 of the recent Women's World Cup, losing to Sweden on penalties—an unprecedented outcome for the historically successful team. Under the management of Vlatko Andonovski at the time, the team had secured four Olympic gold medals but settled for a bronze in 2020. US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone praised Hayes, emphasizing her exceptional leadership, high standards, and relentless drive for victory. Hayes' previous experience in the US, comprehensive understanding of the soccer landscape, and appreciation for coaching the national team make her a natural fit for the role. The statement from US Soccer also highlighted that Hayes will become the highest-paid women's football coach globally, further solidifying her achievement.