The U.S. Soccer Federation will be preparing their contingency plan in the event Mauricio Pochettino leaves his role as United States head coach amid reports linking him with Manchester United.
As Michael Carrick's position as head coach faces increasing uncertainty, Pochettino has emerged as the new frontrunner in the betting to be named the next manager of the Red Devils.
Reports suggest Pochettino is open to negotiations with Man Utd, although it will cost the Premier League club a pretty penny to prise him from his USMNT contract as it includes a £7million release clause.
If Pochettino does decide on a return to club management in England, we've assessed the candidates in the frame to replace him as the next United States head coach.
Next United States manager contenders
B.J. Callaghan
The former USMNT interim coach who led the team to the 2023 Concacaf Nations League title, B.J. Callaghan seems the most natural successor to the throne.
Callaghan has since embarked on a dazzling run with Nashville SC, guiding the club to the 2025 U.S. Open Cup and the 2026 Supporters' Shield whilst boasting a 53% win percentage in all competitions.
His Nashville side have dominated the Eastern Conference of the MLS in 2026, winning 23 of their 34 matches to finish 17 points clear of Inter Miami in second and 13 points better off than Western Conference victors Vancouver Whitecaps.
Given Callaghan's success in the Major League and his experience working in the USMNT setup, the 45-year-old possesses the tools to build on the foundations Pochettino helped set with the team's run to the last-16 of the World Cup.
Steve Cherundolo
Former Hannover 96 defender Steve Cherundolo accepted the role as head coach of USMNT's Under-23s earlier this summer and is expected to lead the team through to the 2028 Summer Olympics.
However, if Pochettino was to depart, it would certainly make sense to sound out Cherundolo to lead the senior team.
Cherundolo spent his entire playing career in Germany, had spells as a coach with Hannover and VfB Stuttgart before returning to America to embark on his managerial career.
The former right-back spent three years with Los Angeles FC, winning the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and the U.S. Open Cup. A pragmatic coach who is renowned for implementing a disciplined defensive structure, Cherundolo's man-management could help to extract the maximum from USMNT's array of talent.
Mikey Varas
San Diego head coach Mikey Varas served as USA interim coach prior to Pochettino's arrival and boasts invaluable experience of the US youth levels, having worked with the likes of Ricardo Pepi, Diego Luna, Gabriel Slonina, and Jack McGlynn in the Under-20 side.
He won the Concacaf Championship title with the U20s in 2022, and although his San Diego side have struggled in the Western Conference this season, they finished top of the pile last term as Varas earned plaudits for incorporating youth and implementing a bold, aggressive style.
Some may argue Varas is not an ambitious appointment, but Spain have showcased with Luis de la Fuente that promoting from within and a continuation of core principles can lead to success.
Pep Guardiola
A wildcard option, but for as long as Pep Guardiola remains on the market, the decorated Catalan is likely to be contacted by an array of federations.
Italy were the latest nation to put the feelers out for the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City tactician, who has been out of work since leaving the Citizens at the end of last season.
Guardiola has flirted with the idea of international management before, although it would take an extremely tempting offer from the US Soccer Federation to lure him out of his sabbatical.
