Former Olympic Development Coach and Philadelphia Union assistant BJ Callaghan has been elevated to interim head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup tournaments, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.

Callaghan will succeed Anthony Hudson, who is departing his role as interim head coach for another opportunity.

“B.J. has been an integral part of the USMNT staff during the last four years as this young team has grown and developed,” U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker stated in a news release. “Working alongside Anthony Hudson these last five months, we are confident he is prepared and ready to lead this group in the summer tournaments. We are grateful to Anthony for the tremendous job he did and wish him success in the future.” 

Callaghan, a Ursinus College grad from Ventnor, N.J., joined U.S. Soccer in 2019 initially as the strategy analyst before being promoted to assistant coach as the U.S. team captured the 2021 Nations League and Gold Cup titles before reaching the Round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He is currently the longest-serving member of the USMNT technical staff.  

“I understand the responsibility of the job and am honored to have the opportunity to build upon the progress this group has made the last four years,” Callaghan said. “Together, we have built a strong culture and a great understanding of how we want to play, and we expect to continue to build on that progress. Our goal is clear: defend both of our Concacaf titles.”     

Prior to his time with the USMNT, Callaghan was with the Philadelphia Union for seven years, first with the Union Academy for two years and then five years as a first team assistant coach to Jim Curtin. Callaghan played four seasons at Ursinus College and served as an assistant for a season after graduating. He went on to work as an assistant with Saint Joseph’s women’s program and at Villanova and served as ODP goalkeeper coach for Eastern PA Youth Soccer for a number of years.

The USMNT's next game is on June 15 against Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal in Las Vegas. They kick off the Concacaf Gold Cup on June 24 against Jamaica in Chicago.