St. Louis CITY SC's interim manager John Hackworth reportedly in the running to become permanent head coach

St. Louis CITY SC interim manager John Hackworth is firmly in contention to receive the St. Louis job on a permanent basis, according to a report. The former USMNT assistant and St. Louis technical director was named St. Louis director of coaching in 2021 and has also served as head coach for the MLS Next Pro side. After taking over for the fired Carnell, he has overseen a disappointing second half to the campaign with three wins, two draws and five losses in 10 games.

Louisville City FC's Danny Cruz is also reportedly among the candidates to receive the job, though. The USL and MLS veteran has never coached in the U.S.'s top flight, but has had success in his current role -- being named Coach of the Month in August this year.

GiveMeSport's Tom Bogert was first to break the news on St. Louis' coaching search.

St. Louis have struggled significantly in their second campaign in MLS. The expansion franchise won the Western Conference in 2023 but crumbled in the first round of MLS playoffs. Since then, things have only gotten worse, with the club 13th in the West, and all-but eliminated from playoff contention with a handful of games remaining.

Cruz and Hackworth's careers have been intertwined for some time. The Louisville manager replaced Hackworth at the helm of the USL side when he first departed for St. Louis in 2021.

The struggling side's immediate attention is on a Western Conference basement contest, as they host 12th-placed Sporting KC Saturday evening. Longer term, it seems the club are narrowing their search for a new manager as they look to move the right way up a crowded West next season.