The white smoke has yet to billow out of the academy building at the Red Bull Training Facility in Hannover, however, that may change soon.

Strong rumors are swirling that the position, unfilled since November, is set to be filled by Sean McCafferty. Originally from the United Kingdom, McCafferty has coaching and academy experience in America since 2001. McCafferty, according to LinkedIn is currently the Barça Residency Academy Director. However, when reached for comment, they said they believe he “transferred just recently and that he wasn’t there anymore.”

While at Barça, McCafferty launched their residential academy and received strong results. In addition to that the academy, he launched multiple careers including Julian Araujo ( LA Galaxy) and Matthew Hoppe (Schalke U-19). McCafferty also holds a USSF A coaching license.

UPDATE

The Red Bulls confirmed the hiring Monday afternoon:

The New York Red Bulls have named Sean McCafferty Director of Red Bulls Academy, the club announced today. McCafferty joins the Red Bulls organization from FC Barcelona’s Barca Residency Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona, where he served as Academy Director since December of 2016. “We are very pleased to welcome Sean to the organization,” New York Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlet saidt. “We took our time with this search and vetted a lot of candidates. Having spent a lot of time with Sean, we are confident that he has the experience and know-how to lead our academy. I expect him to set a high standard and help our coaches and players continue their development and achieve their full potential.” McCafferty will oversee all technical aspects of Red Bulls Academy, with a focus on player development and coaching among the Red Bulls five cost-free academy programs from U-12 to U-18, as well as the Red Bulls U-23 team that competes in USL League Two during the summer months. McCafferty will also work closely with the Red Bulls First Team staff to ensure that the same philosophy, playing style and training principles are taught throughout all levels of the academy. New positions within Red Bulls Academy have been created to support off-field operations, business and player welfare. “We will look to Sean to lead continued development around our academy structure,” Hamlett said. “Alongside his knowledge of the sport and ability to lead players and coaches, Sean has excellent experience in building programs and undertaking new initiatives. We know he is the right person to continue to evolve our academy and produce top players.” From NewYorkRedBulls.com

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