Brian Schmetzer has never won MLS Coach of the Year, but he’s now a finalist for top club coach in the world. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named Schmetzer among 15 finalists for its top men’s club coach in 2022. Notably all five coaches who won their respective federation’s champions league titles are among the finalists. Although the IFFHS is separate from FIFA, the world’s governing body does recognize this award.
The IFFHS has been giving out this award since 1996 and a European club coach has won it in all but two seasons.