John Herdman: Canadian women's national team coach switching to men's side

Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Canadian women's national team coach John Herdman is turning his focus to the men's national team.

Canada Soccer announced the new leadership transition on Monday. The change is effective immediately. Herdman is also the men's national EXCEL Director.

He takes the role over for Octavio Zambrano. Kenneth Heiner-Moller takes over as the women's national team head coach and women's national EXCEL director. Heiner-Moller served as an assistant coach with Herdman since 2015.

Zambrano left the role after being hired last year. He had the job for just 10 months.

"We welcome John to this new role as he brings his success aligning Canada soccer's women's national team program over the past six years and his world-class technical coaching abilities to continue delivering results for Canada Soccer for the men's national team program," Canada Soccer president Steven Reed said in a news release.  

"We are pleased to have such a capable successor in Kenneth Heiner-Møller who has been a key part of the technical staff that has seen Canada capture back-to-back bronze medals and rise to its highest-ever ranking of 4th in the world.  On behalf of Canada Soccer, we would also like to thank Octavio for his contributions over the past year and wish him well in his future endeavors."

Herdman takes control of the men's national team from the youth level from the U-14 age level and up.

Bev Priestman will move to the role of women's national excel director for U15-U23 and the women's national team assistant coach.

Herdman won the 2017 Jack Donohue Coach of the Year Award from the Coaching Association of Canada. He led Canada to two Olympic bronze medals. His squad finished sixth at the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015.

Zambrano tweeted Monday that he agreed with a tweet claiming he was blacklisted.

"...I will explain at a Press Conference in more detail. I enjoyed every minute in this great country and the genuine support of the fans. Best wishes to the CSA, and coach Herdman," he tweeted.