St. Louis CITY SC’s interim manager, John Hackworth, is reportedly a strong candidate for the permanent head coaching role as the team continues its search for a long-term leader. After taking over mid-season, Hackworth is vying to secure the position permanently, facing competition from Louisville City FC’s Danny Cruz.
Hackworth, who joined the club in 2022, has taken on multiple roles, including serving as technical director and leading the MLS Next Pro side. He was named director of coaching in 2021 before stepping in as interim manager following the departure of previous head coach Bradley Carnell. Under Hackworth’s interim leadership, St. Louis has faced a challenging period, recording three wins, two draws, and five losses in 10 games, indicating a tough transition and performance struggles during the second half of the campaign.
Competition from Danny Cruz
Danny Cruz, the current Louisville City FC head coach, is also reportedly a contender for the job. Though he has no previous coaching experience in MLS, Cruz has seen success in the USL, where he was named Coach of the Month in August 2023. His impressive work with Louisville City has placed him on the radar for MLS roles, including the opening at St. Louis CITY SC.
St. Louis CITY SC’s Coaching Search
Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport was the first to report on the search for St. Louis’ next head coach, highlighting Hackworth’s status as a key candidate and the potential hiring of Cruz. While the club has yet to make an official decision, the choice between the experienced Hackworth and the emerging Cruz will be crucial for the franchise as they look to stabilize and improve their MLS standing heading into the next season.
