Klinsmann Ist Kaput -- In a huge shocker, the United States Soccer Federation will not be announcing that former German coach Jurgen Klinsmann has agreed to take over the reins of the U.S. national team. Neither side is saying exactly what happened, but Klinsmann has withdrawn his name from consideration. I hope whatever has transpired might be reparable, should the USSF come calling again in a few years, or in four years. In the meantime, the Washington Post is reporting the Chivas USA's coach Bob Bradley has been named the interim head coach. It's not clear if this is meant to be a temporary appointment, allowing Bradley to return to Chivas for the MLS season. The U.S. team needed a coach, with its first post World Cup friendly schedule for Dec. 20, against Denmark. Washington Post article

The leading candidate for the coaching position would now likely be the former Argentina coach, Jose Pekerman, but the naming of Bradley as interim coach suggests that the USSF is not anticipating a big hiring announcement in the next few weeks. The other leading candidates are believed to be Carlos Queiroz, and Gerard Houllier. On the other hand, Bradley may have moved to the top of the list. According to the report in the New York Times, Bradley will be given a chance to earn the job on more than an interim basis. He will also be coach of the 2008 Olympic team. New York Times article on Bradley hiring