A significant announcement to start the New York City FC offseason: Nick Cushing was relieved of his duties as Head Coach, the club announced this morning at 8 am ET.
5 years, For The City.
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) November 26, 2024
Thank you, Nick 💙
Sporting Director David Lee is quoted in the club's statement announcing parting with Cushing saying, in part, "At this current time, we believe it’s best to move the team in a new direction as we plan for the 2025 season and beyond." You'll find the full statement below.
The announcement comes as something of a shock, but the circumstances around his departure feel slightly less surprising. Cushing was in charge of New York City FC for longer than any coach in the club's history after taking over the position in June of 2022, and 2025 was reportedly set to be the final year of the contract he signed when the team dropped his interim tag and made him full-on Head Coach in November 2022.
There were also loud rumors of interest in Cushing from the Arsenal FC Women, a rumor that Cushing rebutted while insisting "Listen, I can confirm I will be here next year" when speaking to the press on November 7. Turns out that was a premature declaration from the now-former NYCFC coach.
Hudson River Blue Staff
Across his tenure with New York City, Cushing was in charge for 107 matches in all competitions, compiling a record of 37W-31D-39L while picking up 1.33 points per match. His record in charge was decidedly mixed, though there were highs, like the inspiring run to the 2022 Eastern Conference Final and the team's return to the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2024.
Cushing was also in charge during the longest regular-season winless streaks in NYCFC's 10-season history and was unable to find the right mix of players during a rebuilding season in 2023 to keep the team's streak of reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs alive.
Oliver Strand
Oliver Strand
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 07:59 AM
NYCFC Communications
New York City FC announced today that the Club has parted company with Head Coach Nick Cushing.
Cushing’s departure comes after guiding the team to a sixth-place finish and an Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals appearance this season.
“We would like to thank Nick for his incredible dedication to the Club and this city. During his time at New York City FC, Nick has been a true professional, playing an important role in delivering the Club’s first MLS Cup as an assistant coach and then leading the team as Interim Head Coach to a Campeones Cup victory in 2022. After being appointed as Head Coach for the 2023 season, Nick built a collaborative, high-performance environment at the training facility that has allowed us to continue to evolve as an organization,” said Sporting Director David Lee.
“Whilst we are incredibly appreciative for all he has done for the Club, at this current time, we believe it’s best to move the team in a new direction as we plan for the 2025 season and beyond. We would like to sincerely thank Nick for his contributions and wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavors.”
Following Cushing’s departure from New York City FC, the Club will begin their search for a new Head Coach ahead of the start of the 2025 MLS season.
Cushing was appointed as the Club’s Interim Head Coach in June 2022. In that role, he managed the ‘Boys in Blue’ to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference and made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals of the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Cushing has been an important part of City Football Group for almost two decades, initially joining the organization in 2006. He progressed through the ranks as a coach in the Manchester City Academy before being appointed as the manager of Manchester City Women’s Team in 2013. Cushing quickly became one of the most decorated coaches in the women’s game, leading the team to an impressive six trophies.
“Nick has created many wonderful memories for the Club, and our players and staff have benefited immensely from his guidance and experience. His passion for the game is infectious, and we have nothing but immense gratitude for Nick and the success he brought to the Club,” said New York City FC CEO Brad Sims.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fans for their unrivaled support throughout the year. We set ourselves the highest possible standards and targets each season, and we are already fully focused on preparations for the 2025 season.”
