ESPN has an interesting take on the candidates. Short answer: hire a foreigner.
Oddly, the article does not seem to think the USMNT coaching job is an attractive position. I would think the exact opposite: low downside risk on reputation if the US flops, but with a HUGE upside if things go very well in 2010. Sure, maybe Scolari or Hiddink do not have that much to prove, but I can't believe that Russia offers a better situation then the US. Metsu does not do much for me, but Gerets is an intriguing possibility. I also would add Dick Advocaat, who might want to polish his resume a bit more.
uhm, I agree with Shourin ;-)
If Klinsi, Hiddink, and Scolari, all think they have proved enough, and decline then it should be Eric Gerets. Strong player; strong coach. Was part of the Belgian squad that boasted Jan Ceulemans and Enzo Scifo in the 1986 World Cup where they finished fourth.
The order of preference is:
1) Klinsi
2) Hiddink
3) Scolari
4) Gerets
5) Metsu
I really don't think Klinsi can turn down a good offer that allows him almost unfettered access to moulding the team in any which way he likes, allows him to be close to his family, and pays good money.
I agree with Jen Chang. On an international level, the US team fell short in tactics and technique. The German team played the most short passes of all the teams that advanced to the quarterfinals. Their midfielders and strikers were very efficient tacklers of the ball. Features that were almost non-existent in this US soccer team.
If there were player that Klinsi would take as the archetype US player for the future, it would be Clint Dempsey. High work rate, tremendous speed, supreme fitness, great vision, and the important ability to finish of chances. And all this was on display the only time that Dempsey had good minutes on the field.
From Gus: rubles baby, it's all about the rubles.