Former Union assistant BJ Callaghan named head coach of Nashville SC

Jim Curtin will have another former assistant as a rival coach in MLS when BJ Callaghan takes over as head coach of Nashville SC later this month.

Callaghan was announced as Nashville’s new head coach following the exit of the U.S. Men’s National Team from Copa America.

The Ventnor, N.J. native and Ursinus College grad has an extensive history coaching soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania both as a youth club and Olympic Development Program coach as well as at the college level. He and Curtin first crossed paths as assistant coaches at Villanova and Callaghan later joined Curtin’s staff after a sting working in the Union’s academy.

Callaghan left the Union in 2019 to take a job with U.S. Soccer.

“Taking the head coach position at Nashville SC is an incredible opportunity and an exciting next step in my career,” Callaghan stated in a news release. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Gregg Berhalter for his mentorship and support throughout my time with the U.S. Men’s National Team. The experience I’ve gained here has been invaluable, and I’m deeply appreciative of the relationships and memories made along the way.

“While I am thrilled to embark on this new journey, it is bittersweet to leave a team and staff that I believe in so deeply. I have full confidence in the exceptional coaching staff we have in place and know the team is in great hands. As we approach the 2026 World Cup, I’ll be cheering on the team every step of the way. Thank you to everyone at U.S. Soccer for the support and camaraderie – it has truly been an honor.”

Callaghan will join Pat Noonan as a former Philadelphia Union assistant with a head coaching position in MLS. He will officially join Nashville on July 22, ahead of their Leagues Cup match on July 31 against Mazatlán F.C. at GEODIS Park.