NYCFC part ways with Arsenal managerial candidate Cushing

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

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

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

NYCFC failed to win the playoffs again 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 extremely grateful to everyone [Cushing] what we have done for the club, at this time we believe it is 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 best in their future endeavors.”

.@newyorkcityfc splits with Nick Cushing: pic.twitter.com/Ix6CTdm8ZS

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

Cushing has also been with the City Football Group for much longer, having taken on the role of Manchester City Women's Manager in 2013.

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

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

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