John Herdman has been keeping busy since stepping away from Toronto FC last November. The former Canada men's and women's national team boss isn't rushing back to the touchline just yet – despite numerous opportunities coming his way.
"There's been a lot of opportunities over the last seven months," Herdman revealed. "But I made a commitment to my wife Clare that we just be patient and pick the right opportunity."
The 49-year-old coach has received interest from clubs and national teams across the globe. His reputation remains strong after guiding Canada's men to their first World Cup in 36 years at Qatar 2022, plus those two Olympic bronze medals with the women's team.
Global Interest in Herdman's Services
Herdman recently spoke with Plymouth Argyle from England's League One, though the position ultimately went to former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley. He's heading back to the UK this week for talks with another club and plans to meet with Dan Ashworth, England FA's chief football officer.
"When it comes, it could be the U.K., could be Europe, could be North America – men's, women's, international, club," Herdman explained. "We're looking at all the opportunities at the moment."
For bettors tracking managerial movements, Herdman's next destination could significantly impact team performances. His proven track record of transforming underperforming sides makes him a valuable addition to any organization looking for a rebuild.
Life Beyond the Touchline
This break represents Herdman's first coaching hiatus in over 30 years. Yet he's hardly been idle during his time away from the game.
"I've been busy as hell, to be honest," Herdman laughed. He's been helping with his daughter's U14 team, developing a high-performance app called "Live to Win," and doing World Cup-related work for Sky Sports.
Herdman has also delivered keynote speeches, including one to NHL coaches about transformational leadership. His expertise in building winning cultures makes him a sought-after voice outside of football circles.
When addressing his TFC departure and the Canada Soccer drone investigation that followed, Herdman remained diplomatic. "The chapter is well and truly closed," he stated, noting Canada Soccer's response was "not even a yellow card" but rather a letter of admonishment.
For fans and bettors alike, Herdman's next move will be worth watching. His ability to maximize player potential could make his next club an interesting prospect for those looking at longer-term betting markets.
At nearly 50 years old, Herdman is taking a measured approach to what comes next. "I've had some good experiences. I know what the right opportunity can look like, something that's transformative," he explained. When he does return, expect the impact to be immediate and significant.
