Three former USMNT players who should replace HC Gregg Berhalter

U.S. Soccer announced in a statement Wednesday that USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter had been relieved of his duties and the search for a new head coach had already begun.

With only two years remaining until the World Cup on North American soil, U.S. Soccer should find a new coach with thorough national team experience and a proven track record.

Here are three former USMNT players and National Soccer Hall of Famers who could sufficiently progress the squad ahead of the World Cup.

John Harkes

Probably the most under-appreciated player in USMNT history, Harkes earned 90 caps for his country and played in two World Cups and one Olympic tournament from 1987-2000. He also had a historic playing career with then-Premier League side Sheffield Wednesday and won two MLS Cups with D.C. United.

But Harkes' coaching record should impress U.S. Soccer the most. From 2015-17, he led then-United Soccer League (USL) side FC Cincinnati to winning records each season.

He also won a USL League One title with Greenville Triumph in 2020 and led that team to consecutive playoff finals over his 2018-23 tenure. Harkes' international experience and coaching style could have an impact on this generation of U.S. players.

Steve Cherundolo

The current head coach of Los Angeles FC could be the most likely choice for U.S. Soccer, according to Fox Sports.

Cherundolo has had a phenomenal tenure with his MLS team, becoming the first coach in league history to earn 21 wins in his first year. He also led the franchise to its first-ever MLS Cup in 2022 and has since sustained a winning record, currently leading the Western Conference and sitting third overall.

Cherundolo earned 87 caps for the USMNT from 1999-2012 and played in two World Cups. He also captained the U.S. in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Hugo Perez

Perez is not on many radars at the moment. Being of Salvadoran birth, he played 73 games with the USMNT after failing to make his home country's national team at a young age.

But the fact that Perez coached Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams from 2012-14 on the U.S. Under-15 national team should be a big green flag on his resume for U.S. Soccer.

Perez also coached the El Salvador national team and nearly qualified for the 2022 World Cup with a squad punching well above its weight.

U.S. Soccer made the right decision moving on from Berhalter but time is now running out to pick a successor who can make substantial and progressive changes ahead of 2026.