The New York Red Bulls announced changes to its leadership team, including the firing of head coach Sandro Schwarz, assistant coach Volkan Bulut, and head of sport Jochen Schneider, who is returning to Europe to be with family.
Sporting director Julian de Guzman will take on the role of head of sport while the search is on for a new head coach, the Red Bulls said in a statement on Monday, Oct. 27.
Schwarz coached the New York Red Bulls for two seasons. His replacement will be the team’s 21st coach in 31 seasons.
New York missed the 2025 playoffs, finishing 10th in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference with 12 wins, 15 losses and seven ties. The team was seventh in 2024 and advanced to the MLS final, where it lost to the LA Galaxy.
The Red Bulls, who began play in 1996 as the New York/New Jersey Metrostars, have never won the MLS championship.
Marc de Grandpré, President of the New York Red Bulls, thanked Schwarz for his dedication, professionalism and commitment in “leading our team on the pitch over the last two seasons.”
He added Schwarz has made an unwavering impact, and “we will always remember him for securing our first Eastern Conference Championship.”
Schwarz joined the Red Bulls ahead of the 2024 MLS season and made an immediate impact, leading the team to an Eastern Conference Championship and the club’s second MLS Cup Final appearance. Under his leadership, the Red Bulls recorded 23 regular-season victories and advanced to the later stages of the U.S. Open Cup.
“I would like to thank Sandro for the last two seasons, especially coaching this team during a memorable 2024 Playoff run. His dedication to the job was outstanding, and I truly wish him nothing but the best in his future coaching endeavors,” Schneider said.
Praise for de Guzman and Schneider
Over the last two seasons, de Guzman has worked alongside and been mentored by Schneider. Since joining the club in 2024, he has been at the helm of Red Bulls II, who secured first place in the Eastern Conference this season and soon will play for the Eastern Conference Final.
“It has been an incredible privilege and honor to lead this extraordinary organization and work alongside such talented individuals,” Schneider said in a statement. “Over the past few years, I’ve poured my heart into this club, and I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
“Mentoring Julian has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here, and I have no doubt that he is the perfect person to take the helm and lead the Red Bulls into their next chapter. While I will deeply miss this club, my family must come first, and I need to be with them. That said, I will always remain close to Julian and the Red Bulls, and I look forward to seeing the team’s continued success,” Schneider said.
During his tenure, Schneider played a pivotal role in shaping the New York Red Bulls’ recent success. His vision and expertise were instrumental in bringing standout players like Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to the team, who combined for an impressive 44 goal contributions this season alone.
Under his leadership, the club secured the Eastern Conference Championship in 2024 and made history by becoming the first club to have five different players born in New York or New Jersey start an MLS Cup Final. In addition to signing impact players, he has identified and prioritized the development of emerging talent.
Under Schneider’s direction to nurture young players the First Team currently has 12 Academy players on the roster. The organization saw 13 youth national call-ups this season.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Jochen has brought to our organization during his time here,” said de Grandpré. “Jochen’s expertise and leadership were instrumental in assembling a team that has competed at the highest level. While we are saddened to see him depart, he will always be part of the family. We fully respect his decision and wish him and his family all the best in the days and months ahead.”
History of Coaches
- Eddie Firmani (1996)
- Carlos Queiroz (1996)
- Carlos Alberto Parreira (1997)
- Alfonso Mondelo (1998)
- Bora Milutinovic (1998-99)
- Octavio Zambrano (2000-02)
- Bob Bradley (2003-05)
- Mo Johnston (2005-2006)
- Richie Williams (2006)
- Bruce Arena (2006-07)
- Juan Carlos Osorio (2008-09)
- Richie Williams (2009)
- Hans Backe (2010-12)
- Mike Petke (2013-15),
- Jesse Marsch (2015-18)
- Chris Armas (2018-20)
- Bradley Carnell (2020)
- Gerhard Struber (2020-22)
- Troy Lesesne (2023)
About the Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls are a professional soccer club in Harrison, New Jersey, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) member of the Eastern Conference. The club was established in October 1994 and began play in the league’s inaugural season in 1996 when the team was called the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. The club was rebranded in 2006 after being sold to the Austrian company Red Bull GmbH.
Having previously played at Giants Stadium, since 2010 they play their home games at the 25,000-seat Sports Illustrated Arena, which is considered one of the top soccer-specific stadiums in North America. The club also has a well-known academy and various youth programs aimed at developing future professional players.
The Red Bulls have reached the MLS Cup final twice, in 2008 and 2024, losing both times. The club has won three Supporters’ Shield titles, in 2013, 2015 and 2018. They also twice reached the final of the U.S. Open Cup in 2003 and 2017, losing on both occasions,
