john herdman

John Herdman was born on July 19, 1975, in Consett, England. His coaching career began in youth development in England before he moved to New Zealand. From 2003 to 2005, he served as a Youth Coach for New Zealand, working with various women’s football teams from 2006 to 2011. During this period, he laid foundations for his future international successes, demonstrating an early aptitude for strategic development and team management. His early international experience in New Zealand provided him with diverse exposure to different footballing cultures and organizational structures.

Herdman transitioned to coaching women’s national teams, first with New Zealand from 2006 to 2011, and then with Canada from 2011 to 2018. During his tenure with Canada’s women’s team, he achieved significant milestones, including qualifying them for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2018, Herdman took on the role of Manager for the Canada Men’s National Team, a position he held until September 2023. This move marked a pivotal point in his career, showcasing his ability to adapt his coaching philosophy across different genders and competitive landscapes. Under his guidance, the Canadian men’s team qualified for the World Cup, a historic achievement for the nation.

In October 2023, Herdman was appointed as the Manager for Toronto FC, a role he held until November 2024. He also briefly managed the Canada U23 team from 2018 to 2018, further solidifying his diverse coaching experience. Herdman holds a UEFA Pro Licence and is known for his 3-4-2-1 preferred formation. His coaching journey reflects a consistent dedication to developing teams and achieving significant competitive results at both national and club levels across different countries.