He was a decent coach and Bob Bradley did a lot of good for the National team. He was the coach of a team that finished 2nd in the Confed Cup, defeating Spain on the way there. That win definitely put the team in a bit bigger national spotlight, then the 1st place group finish at the WC did a bigger job as well.
However Bob's biggest problem was his loyalty to some players. Players which, in my opinion, don't have the quality to play for the National side. Bornstein, Ricardo Clark in the WC, and even Robbie Findley to an extent, are a few examples of players who probably don't have any business starting games for the US side. The Gold Cup final is a perfect example. When Cherundolo got hurt, El Tri went right after Bornstein's flank, turning it into swiss cheese. Carving paths to goal with seemingly little resistance.
His tactics were a bit suspect too, most evident by starting games poorly and then having to claw back down a goal or so. Another big indictment on Bradley's record.
I'm not going to tell you that Michael Bradley shouldn't be starting, and that his place is only due to nepotism. I, honestly, believe that regardless of who is coach for the USA, Bradley is on the team. Whether he be starting or on the bench, he is a member of the squad. There were probably some games where Edu would've been a better option than Bradley, but that argument is going to be null and void soon because Jermaine Jones isn't getting any younger and by next WC cycle I expect Bradley and Edu to be starting in the middle of the park.
Am I sad to see Bradley go? No. He needed to go after the WC. He did a good job for us, but two term national coaches don't always pan out so well. I appreciate the work he did for the team, because I like to think the squad is in a better place than when he took over for Arena.
I'm very curious to see who takes over. Andres Cantor has tweeted that he has some strong rumors that Marcello Lippi will take over. Something I'd be more than happy to see. Klinsmann isn't an awful hire, but he's a suspect gameday coach. He knows his talent, but tactics are meh.
To be honest, Jason Kreis, HC of Real Salt Lake, is a pretty good X/O's coach. Hire Klinsmann to be the HC, Kreis as assistant. Kreis will be Klinsmann's American Jogi Loew.
