U.S. coach Bradley signs extension
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Bob Bradley will remain in charge of the United States national team through the 2014 World Cup after signing a four-year contract extension.
Bradley and U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati hashed out the improved deal in talks that began last week and concluded Monday, just before an official announcement was made.
After he led the USA to the round of 16 at the World Cup before an injury-time defeat to Ghana, Bradley was in limbo.
He publicly announced his interest in the vacant post with English Premier League side Aston Villa, while U.S. Soccer considered other candidates, including former Germany head coach Juergen Klinsmann.
Bradley's previous deal paid him a base salary of around $600,000 and it is understood that his new contract is worth significantly more.
The 52-year-old took over the national team at the end of 2006, just months after a doomed World Cup campaign, and has lifted both the Americans' reputation and performance during his tenure.
His finest hour came during the 2009 Confederations Cup, where the side defeated European (and now world) champion Spain in the semifinal before giving up a 2-0 lead in a defeat to Brazil in the final.
Monday's agreement brings to an end more than two months of speculation surrounding the job.
Even some of Bradley's players, including Landon Donovan, admitted they feared the boss would move to new pastures, especially after voicing his ambition to work in Europe.
Bradley's next games in charge will be exhibition matches against Poland and Colombia on Oct. 9 and 12.
