NYCFC part ways with Arsenal managerial candidate Cushing

New York City FC have confirmed the departure of head coach Nick Cushing.

Cushing joined New York City in 2020 as an assistant coach before taking the mantle of head coach in 2022.

He made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in two of the three seasons as head coach, guiding NYCFC to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022.

NYCFC fell short of winning the playoffs once more this year as they lost 2-0 to rivals New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday.

They had finished sixth in the Eastern Conference.

“While we are incredibly appreciative for all [Cushing] 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,” said sporting director David Lee.

“We would like to sincerely thank Nick for his contributions and wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavours.”

.@newyorkcityfc part ways with Nick Cushing: https://t.co/DnpvGaocNl pic.twitter.com/Ix6CTdm8ZS

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2024

Cushing has been with the City Football Group for far longer, too, having taken the role of Manchester City Women’s manager in 2013.

He guided them through a pivotal time as they turned professional and won their first WSL, FA Cup and League Cup titles under his stewardship.

It has been reported that Cushing is the primary managerial target for Arsenal Women following the departure of Jonas Eidevall, though he has previously quashed these rumours.

Cushing dismissed those rumours previously, though he had also assured the media and NYCFC fans that he would be at the club next season.