New York City FC has announced a major change to kick off its offseason by parting ways with head coach Nick Cushing after a 2024 playoff run. The decision comes shortly after NYCFC’s disappointing 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls, which knocked them out of the MLS Playoffs.
Cushing initially joined the organization in 2020 as an assistant coach under Ronny Deila and was instrumental in the team’s MLS Cup victory in 2021. Following Deila’s midseason departure in 2022, Cushing took over as interim head coach and was later promoted to the permanent head coach position in 2023.
5 years, For The City.
Thank you, Nick 💙
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) November 26, 2024
During Cushing’s tenure, NYCFC reached the MLS semifinals in his interim year but failed to make the playoffs the following season due to a late-season slump.
In the recently concluded season, NYCFC finished in sixth place with a record of 14 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses. Despite the setback against the Red Bulls, NYCFC pulled off a thrilling upset against FC Cincinnati in the first round, ultimately securing a spot in the conference semifinals.
Prior to his time in New York, Cushing enjoyed a successful spell as the head coach of the Manchester United women’s team, winning the Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Cup titles in 2016.
Cushing’s departure adds to the list of coaching changes in the MLS, with other playoff teams also making significant moves. Vancouver Whitecaps recently parted ways with Vanni Sartini, while Inter Miami FC saw Tata Martino step down for personal reasons and replaced by Javier Mascherano.