Emma Hayes takes USWNT job, becomes highest-paid coach in women's soccer

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Emma Hayes was confirmed as the next head coach of the United States women's national team Tuesday.

The decorated English boss will conclude the 2023-24 Women's Super League season with Chelsea before taking charge of the USWNT two months ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The U.S. Soccer Federation said Hayes, 47, will be the highest-paid women's soccer coach in the world.

"This is a huge honor to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history," Hayes said. "The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I've dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true.

"I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels. To get there, it will require dedication, devotion and collaboration from the players, staff and everyone at the U.S. Soccer Federation."

One of Hayes' other motivations for taking the USWNT job is the opportunity to step away from the demands of day-to-day club management and spend more time with her family.

"This is not a selfish decision, it's a selfless decision," she explained Monday about leaving Chelsea. "It's about putting first other things in my life and I'm ready for that."

The Londoner was appointed Chelsea boss in 2012 and has won 13 major trophies with the club, including six Women's Super League titles. The Blues' best run in the Women's Champions League was a runner-up finish in 2021.

Hayes started her coaching career in the United States with numerous youth clubs in the Long Island area before taking on roles with the likes of the USL W-League's Long Island Lady Riders, the Chicago Red Stars, the Washington Freedom, and the New York Flash.

"I fully understand the place this team has in U.S. society. I've lived it," she said. "I remember being a young coach working my way up through the system in the U.S. and watching all those young girls aspire to play on the U.S. women's national team. For me, the honor in building on that legacy is part of my motivation, no question."

Hayes is set to oversee four USWNT matches across June and July before the Olympics commence. Until then, interim head coach Twila Kilgore will remain in her role before she joins Hayes' staff as an assistant coach.