Official: Bruce Arena to receive multiyear extension

The LA Galaxy have officially announced that Bruce Arena will be given a multiyear contract extension. The extension would see him retain both of his titles: general manager and head coach (which I tend to simplify as manager). The exact length of the new contract is unknown.

Bruce Arena is 62, and is going into his seventh year at the head of the LA Galaxy. The team has won two MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in that time, with Arena posting an 82-46-44 record (about 1.7 points per match for his entire time with the Galaxy).

"We are very pleased to sign Bruce Arena to a multi-year contract extension," said Dan Beckerman President and CEO of AEG. "Bruce is one of the finest coaches in the history of soccer in the United States. His commitment to the LA Galaxy, the club's winning tradition and continued excellence on and off the field is unrivaled. We look forward to the team's continued success under Bruce's management."

Arena is the all time leader in wins amongst coaches in US national team history. During his eight years in charge he collected a 71-30-29 record, won two Gold Cups, and took the US to a quarterfinal berth in 2002. During his time as head coach at DC United, where he won two MLS Cups, he found his eventual successor in Bob Bradley. It's safe to say the post-1994-World-Cup-era of US soccer has been defined to a great degree by Arena.

"I'm honored to remain in this role with the preeminent soccer club in the United States," said Arena. "I appreciate the continued support and confidence from Mr. Anschutz, Mr. Beckerman, Chris Klein and my staff and players as we head into the 2014 season."

The Galaxy leader has never been shy about voicing his opinion on league matters, occasionally being fined for it. LA will be better for having him around these next handful of years, and hopefully he'll have a management role even after his coaching days are done.

"Bruce Arena has played an integral role in the growth and success of the LA Galaxy," said Galaxy President Chris Klein. "His hard work and commitment to our club has helped the Galaxy become the premier team in MLS. Under Bruce, the club has won championships, developed talent and grown as a brand."

When Bruce Arena was brought in he took over general manager duties from Alexi Lalas. Despite the big splash of bringing over David Beckham, Lalas hadn't been successful in putting a team around him that could win. With a good draft in 2009, and a good eye for foreign talent, Arena reached the Western Conference finals in four of his five full years.