Gregg Berhalter ‘is set to RETURN as USA head coach’ six months after deal ended and Reyna scandal

Former USA head coach Gregg Berhalter is reportedly expected to return to the role just six months after his contract expired.

The 49-year-old has been out of work since his deal with US Soccer came to an end after the Qatar World Cup in December and the Gio Reyna scandal erupted. 

US Soccer are yet to appoint Berhalter’s permanent successor and now it appears he will be in charge once again, according to The Athletic. 

The report claims that he is in talks to go back to the position with the agreement being finalized but it is expected to be reached very soon.

Berhalter, who guided the USMNT to the Round of 16 at the showpiece tournament last year, was in the headlines when details about he and wife Rosalind’s private life were shared by former friends – and parents of USA player, Gio – Claudio and Danielle Reyna.

Former USA head coach Gregg Berhalter is reportedly expected to return to the role

The 49-year-old has been out of work since his contract with US Soccer expired at the end of the Qatar World Cup in December and the Gio Reyna (left) scandal erupted

B.J. Callaghan (left) was named as USA head coach for Nations League and Gold Cup tournaments after interim boss Anthony Hudson (right) moved on

A wild few months of stunning rumors and bombshell developments began at the World Cup when Gio Reyna was almost sent home for his perceived lack of effort, leading to the release of shocking details and the start of a formal investigation.

Everything came to a head in March when the results of the investigation were released, with details about Reyna’s parents sending years of texts, emails and calls to US Soccer chiefs complaining about the treatment and playing time of their son in the international setup.

The investigation, ordered by US Soccer, was into a domestic violence incident involving Berhalter and his now-wife Rosalind in 1992.

Berhalter, who managed Hammarby in Sweden and MLS’s Columbus Crew before switching to international management, admitted to kicking his wife after she hit him in the face in an argument during a night out at a bar when they were 18, and the report deemed it an ‘isolated incident’, with ‘no evidence to suggest’ there were any further issues.

The drama was thrust into the spotlight in the wake of the World Cup when it was revealed the Reynas had notified chiefs of the 1992 incident.

The report said that the Reyna parents spoke to then-US Soccer chief Earnie Stewart on the night of December 11, 2022 to disclose ‘information about Mr. Berhalter… that Mrs. Reyna had known for decades and… the information was disclosed at a time when it would be expected to discourage or otherwise influence the organization from offering a contract extension to Mr. Berhalter.’ 

However, despite these actions, Alston & Bird’s report says they do not constitute blackmail or extortion.

Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah have both recently come out with statements of support saying they want Berhalter back at the post. 

Berhalter was in the headlines when details about he and wife Rosalind’s private life were shared by former friends – and parents of USA player, Gio – Claudio and Danielle Reyna (above)

The investigation, ordered by US Soccer, was into a domestic violence incident involving him and his now-wife Rosalind in 1992

Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch was heavily linked with the role and Patrick Vieira was also reportedly interested in the USMNT job 

Anthony Hudson was placed in interim charge of the team following the expiration of Berhalter’s contract at the end of the Qatar World Cup in December.

But he moved on in May and B.J. Callaghan was promoted to the head coach role for the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup tournaments after working as an assistant with the USA for the last four years.

It was reported earlier this week that US Soccer had interviewed over 10 candidates.

Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch was heavily linked with the role but he was ruled out of the running earlier on Thursday by his agent.

Ron Waxman Tweeted: ‘Jesse Marsch will not be the next USMNT manager.’ 

Arsenal legend and fired former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was also reportedly interested in the USMNT job.