Steve McClaren has assumed the position of head coach for Jamaica, resigning from his position as Manchester United’s first team coach.
Erik ten Hag reorganized the staff this summer and gave the 63-year-old a new responsibility, but McClaren desired a fresh challenge with the Caribbean nation.
Since Heimir Hallgrimsson stepped down at the end of the previous month to take over as manager of the Republic of Ireland, the Reggae Boyz had been without a manager.
Although Steve Bruce had discussions with Jamaica as well, McClaren was named the next head coach for a two-year period.
He said: “I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of Head Coach for The Jamaica Men’s National Team. I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.
“Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project. Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realize the potential the country possessed.
“In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead.”
Following Ten Hag’s promotion, McClaren, who was Sir Alex Ferguson’s No. 2 from 1999 to 2001, rejoined United as assistant manager in the summer of 2022.
After deciding that adjustments were necessary after the previous season, Ten Hag retained his position as manager. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake joined as assistant managers, Jelle ten Rouwelaar joined as goalkeeper coach, and Mitchell van der Gaag, Benni McCarthy, and Richard Hartis departed.
McClaren’s position was downgraded to head coach of the first team. However, McClaren has chosen to go. He stayed at Carrington to receive returning players from the European Championship and Copa America, instead of traveling with the team on the US tour. Sporting director Dan Ashworth has made efforts to guarantee a seamless departure.
Throughout his 18-year career as a manager, McClaren held positions at Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Derby County, and Queen’s Park Rangers in addition to leading the England national team for 15 months.
Head coach Andreas Georgson of Lillestrom joined United this week as a first team coach. Ten Hag stated that the Swede will focus on “set plays” and “individual development.”Former technical director turned first-team coach Darren Fletcher is a fixture at Los Angeles training sessions.
(Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
