Former USMNT international Michael Bradley has joined his father Bob Bradley’s coaching staff at Stabek in Norway.
The 36-year-old former midfielder announced his retirement this month and played his final professional game on Saturday when Toronto lost to Orlando in their final MLS match of 2023.
Bradley played under his father in Toronto between 2021 and 2023. They were together when Bradley Snr was USMNT coach from 2006 to 2011.
Stabek’s statement reads: “We welcome Michael and anyone named Bradley to Nadrud!
“We look forward to getting to know Bob’s son better as he joins his father on the coaching staff throughout the season.”
Bradley Snr is in his second term at the helm of Stabeck, having taken up the role in September. He previously coached the team between 2014 and 2015, becoming the first men’s coach from the United States to coach in Europe’s top league.
Bradley Jr. retired after playing 287 MLS games and tied for third all-time for the USMNT with 151 games won. He was given a guard of honor before Saturday’s start against Orlando.
Speaking before the final game, he expressed his desire to pursue a career in coaching.
“I’m excited for the next chapter of my life and my career, and I’m as motivated as I can be to train and be the best coach I can be, to coach at the highest level I can.” Bradley said. I know just because you played doesn’t mean you can coach, you have to be ready to start from the bottom again, to put in the time and do whatever it takes.
Stabek are in a relegation battle this season, sitting 14th in Norway’s top flight in Eltesserien. They return to action on Saturday with a trip to seventh-placed Sarpsborg.
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Toronto FC’s Bradley will retire at the end of the season
(Photo: Mohamed Karamali/Defody Images via Getty Images)
