Bruce Arena, the former head coach and sporting director of the New England Revolution, has resigned following allegations of inappropriate and insensitive remarks. The allegations came to light during an investigation conducted by Major League Soccer (MLS) into Arena’s conduct. Assistant coach Richie Williams filed complaints as part of the investigation, which led to the confirmation of “certain” allegations against Arena. As a result, Arena must submit a petition to the commissioner if he wishes to pursue future employment within the league.
The investigation focused on comments Arena allegedly made behind closed doors and to his coaching staff. Arena met with MLS commissioner Don Garber on Tuesday to discuss the investigation. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Arena visited the offices of the NFL’s New England Patriots, owned by the Kraft family, on Thursday. Arena was under contract with the Revolution through next season.
All sources cited in this report spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. MLS policy generally prohibits teams and employees from discussing such matters publicly. Representatives for Arena, Williams, and MLS declined to comment further on the investigation. The New England Revolution could not be reached for comment.
The Revolution’s 1-1 draw against Minnesota United on Saturday was followed by the abrupt cancellation of the team’s post-game press conference with Williams. Arena was initially placed on administrative leave on August 1, with Williams assuming the role of interim manager and Curt Onalfo becoming interim sporting director.
Williams and Arena have a longstanding relationship dating back to their time at the University of Virginia in the 1980s and 1990s. Williams was an integral part of Arena’s successful D.C. United teams in the mid-90s and has worked alongside him in various capacities in MLS and with U.S. Soccer. Williams joined the Revolution in 2019.
Sources revealed tensions between Arena, Williams, and Onalfo during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Differences in the club’s sporting direction and tactics reportedly led to clashes. Onalfo, especially, had been marginalized from player personnel decisions before Arena’s hiatus.
It was earlier suggested to Williams that he would not be returning to Arena’s staff in 2024. Players and staff initially received no specific information about the investigation against Arena, but the league subsequently conducted interviews with coaches, staff, and players. As of Friday, Revolution players were still unaware of Arena’s future with the club.
Despite the allegations, several players and staff members expressed support for Arena. Defender Omar Gonzalez and former Revolution player Shalrie Joseph publicly voiced their support for their coach. Revolution captain Carles Gil also spoke positively about his relationship with Arena during the early stages of the investigation.
Arena, 71, is the most decorated professional coach in American soccer history. He has won five MLS Cups, four Supporters’ Shields, a U.S. Open Cup, and a CONCACAF Championship over his 17 seasons as an MLS head coach. He has also led the U.S. men’s national team at World Cups in 2006 and 2002.
Known for his no-nonsense approach and outspoken personality, Arena has been a prominent figure in American soccer. In 2018, he co-authored a book criticizing U.S. Soccer and the state of the sport in the country. He has also faced disciplinary action, including a three-game suspension, for using abusive language against a match official during a tournament in 2020.