PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Union fired head coach Bradley Carnell on May 27, 2026, following a 1-10-4 start to the 2026 MLS season. The club sat at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with seven points at the time of his dismissal.

Carnell’s final match in charge was a 6-4 defeat to Inter Miami on May 25, 2026. The game was tied 4-4 at halftime before Inter Miami pulled away in the second half, with Luis Suárez scoring a hat trick for the hosts and Milan Iloski netting three goals for the Union.

Carnell was in his second season as head coach. In 2025, he led the Union to the Supporters’ Shield, the MLS Cup quarterfinals, and the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, earning Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year honors. Upon his departure, Carnell released a statement: "I want to thank the fans, the players, the staff, and everyone involved with this club for the support and commitment during my time here. I’m proud of what we accomplished together and grateful for the relationships and memories we built along the way. To my staff and especially the players, thank you for your hard work and dedication through both the highs and the challenges, you inspired me every day and I appreciate the opportunity to have been part of this team."

Principal Owner Jay Sugarman expressed gratitude for Carnell’s contributions: "On behalf of the Philadelphia Union organization, I want to thank Bradley for his dedication and commitment to the club during his time here. He brought professionalism and passion to his role, and we appreciate everything he has contributed to the team and the organization. We are confident that he will find success in his future coaching endeavors."

Ryan Richter was named interim head coach following Carnell’s firing. Richter has been with the Union organization since 2018, serving as first-team assistant coach since 2022 and as head coach of Philadelphia Union II in 2025, when that team reached the Conference Finals. Sugarman added: "While the search for a new head coach begins immediately, we have full confidence in Ryan's ability to lead the team through this transition, given his familiarity with the players and strong commitment to the club’s philosophy and style of play." The club plans to conduct a global search for a permanent head coach.

On the same day as Carnell’s dismissal, the Union named Jon Scheer as Sporting Director. Scheer had previously served as the club’s Director of Academy and Professional Development and most recently as interim sporting director following Earnst Tanner’s suspension. Sugarman said of Scheer: "Jon has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a deep understanding of our club philosophy, and a clear vision for the future of the Philadelphia Union. As we enter a new chapter for the organization, we are confident in Jon’s ability to lead our sporting operations and get us back on track with a culture centered around development, ambition, and sustained success." Scheer responded: "I’m honored to take on the role of Sporting Director for the Philadelphia Union and want to thank our ownership group, as well as the mentors, colleagues, and staff members who have supported me throughout my time with the organization. This club has built a strong identity rooted in development, hard work, and a winning culture, and I understand the responsibility that comes with leading that vision forward. I’m committed to helping drive the Union back to the standard our supporters, organization, and community expect."