'High-level football thinker' - Former USMNT star Michael Bradley joins Jesse Marsch's Canada staff as a guest coach

Bob Bradley gave Jesse Marsch his first coaching job nearly 15 years ago. Now, Marsch is returning the favor with a similar gesture for Bradley's son, Michael.

Marsch and Canada Soccer announced Monday that both Michael Bradley and David Edgar will join the Reds' staff as guest coaches for the upcoming international window. Bradley and Edgar will assist Marsch in coaching in Canada's friendlies against Ukraine and the Ivory Coast. Neither will be involved with the national team during the Gold Cup, however.

This is another step forward for Bradley, in particular, as he has his second coaching opportunity since working with his father at Stabaek. Since the club parted ways with both Bradleys, Michael has spent time in training sessions in Europe. This will continue his coaching development.

Although Bradley was born in the U.S. and is one of the best to don a USMNT kit, he has plenty of ties to Canada, as well. He was an iconic player for Toronto FC, a club he helped lead to the MLS Cup in 2017 and spent nine years with.

It's also a full-circle moment for Marsch, who credits Bob Bradley as the reason why he pursued the coaching profession. The 51-year-old has granted Bradley the flexibility to coach when the 37-year-old has time to, according to the Athletic.

“The main reason is for him to see what we do and learn from it,” Marsch told reporters about Bradley's addition. “But the side effect is that he’s been a big player and done big things. He’s been at World Cups. The guys all know who he is. He has a good way of just connecting with guys and sharing experiences. He’s a high-level football thinker. He’s excited about starting his coaching career.”

In addition to Bradley, Marsch also recruited Edgar for a similar role with Canada's national team. Edgar, a former Canada international, had a lengthy career in England, playing both in the Premier League and the Championship with Newcastle, Burnley and other clubs. Edgar joins Canada after recently leaving Forge FC, where he spent nearly six years, first as a player then as an assistant coach.

Edgar's arrival is part of a strategy by Marsch to get more Canadian coaches involved with the national setup. Jason Bent and Paul Stalteri were previous Canadian internationals who were involved with the team in past windows.

The Reds will play in two friendlies prior to kicking off their Gold Cup, with the first match on June 17 against Honduras.