Peter Vermes, Ernst Tanner nix US Soccer sporting director job

Ernst Tanner has become the latest Major League Soccer official to decline the U.S. Soccer sporting director job. According to a report by The Athletic, the Philadelphia Union sporting director was recently approached by the U.S. Soccer Federation about the position. However, the news outlet claims that Tanner rejected the potential move.

Peter Vermes also recently rejected job

Earlier in the week it was also revealed that Peter Vermes rejected the job as well. Instead of making the move to the USMNT team, Vermes signed a new deal to remain with Sporting Kansas City. The head coach revealed the decision in a recent interview with the Kansas City Star.

“I was very direct with them. I told them I was almost finished with a new deal here [with Sporting],” said Vermes. “This is the project I’ve been interested in for a long time.”

“I came in with the new ownership. I was given a blank canvas to build it out. This is always what I’ve wanted to be able to do. I consider myself incredibly fortunate. That’s why this project has always been important to me.”

Vermes even suggested that the interview with U.S. Soccer didn’t last very long. “We didn’t get that far. They did their intro. I didn’t want them to keep going when I already knew [my decision]. I understand that everybody might look at it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I just know that right now this is what floats my boat.”

US Soccer recruitment firm must continue search

The Athletic report suggests that both officials were contacted by Sportsology, a recruitment and analysis firm hired by U.S. Soccer. Nevertheless, both Tanner and Vermes elected to remain in their current MLS roles.

U.S. Soccer has been searching for a new sporting director since Earnie Stewart left the position in mid-February. The former USMNT player is moving back to the Netherlands to work at PSV Eindhoven. Stewart made the decision to be closer to family.