New Leadership on the Pitch?

I woke up this morning still pondering how on God’s green earth it is already mid-June. This time of year tends to be pretty quiet for the Nashville sports landscape compared to fall and winter, but that doesn’t bring it all to a complete stop thanks to the Sounds, Kats, and our beloved Nashville SC. Each of the three organizations have been battling mediocrity in 2024, however, big changes appear to be afoot for NSC, who currently sits at 4W-8D-5L and ninth in the MLS Eastern Conference Standings.

Just about a month ago, we discussed the termination of Nashville SC’s only manager, Gary Smith. A beleaguered start to the season led to a necessary change. Yet, over the intervening period, it has become clearly evident the coaching staff needs a complete makeover as interim coach, Rumba Munthali, has struggled to implement real change on the pitch. Simply put, a win, a loss, and three draws isn’t going to turn heads, let alone get a ninth-place squad back in contention and conjure up waves of support from a weary fanbase.

So then comes the question we all want answered… has there been any movement with landing a new manager? That answer is a big Y-E-S! The Athletic reports US Men’s National Team assistant coach, B.J. Callaghan has surfaced as the lead candidate for the head job. Nothing is set in stone yet, but sources familiar with the situation told The Athletic that NSC and Callaghan are in talks for a deal. Former Portland Timbers manager, Gio Savarese, had been considered a name to watch as we previously reported last month but has since faded from frontrunner status with the revelation that Callaghan is the favorite.

BJ Callaghan would bring a wealth of experience to the table for NSC having been an assistant for the Philadelphia Union from 2014-2019 and an assistant for the USMNT ever since. Many will note he has never been in an official capacity as a head coach before, but his showing at the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League as interim manager in Gregg Berhalter’s controversial absence may prove he is ready for an MLS lead role.

The American’s 3-0 thrashing of bitter rival, Mexico, in the Semifinals under his leadership certainly is intriguing. The sample size is undoubtedly small, but impressive nonetheless having led the US to its second Nation League’s championship, especially given the tumultuous circumstances surrounding that team.

There is little secret that Nashville SC’s most common weakness is on the offensive end. You can’t win games if you don’t score goals? Color me shocked…

Despite a playing career as a goalkeeper, Callaghan has been vital to the USMNT ability to put the ball in the back of the net. If he is to be the next man for NSC managerial duties, expect him to surround himself with assistants that have a more aggressive tactical style who will look to fill it up in order to bring Nashville SC back into MLS Cup contention in 2025. MILES HARRINGTON

⚖️ Contempt Over Covenant Leak? Over the last two weeks, the Tennessee Star has published 31 articles revealing a treasure trove of writings and evidence related to the Covenant shooting. This morning the Star’s CEO and editor in chief, Michael Patrick Leahy, sat before Judge I’Ashea Myles who summoned him to court to hear his defense against charges of contempt. Representing Leahy is Daniel Horwitz, a Nashville attorney who specializes in First Amendment rights. As the leaks have continued to grab headline after headline, Leahy’s battle for freedom of the press has captured the attention of national media as well.

Also implicated by the latest Covenant court filings is retired MNPD officer Garet Davidson, who has been accused of potentially leaking information to The Star concerning Hale’s writings. This is the same Garet Davidson who filed a 61-page complaint with both the police department and Metro’s Community Review board accusing MNPD higher-ups of misconduct. After Davidson joined Leahy on his radio show and shared some details about the Covenant shooting, MNPD’s Lt. Alfred Arevalo filed evidence that the former lieutenant could have had the opportunity to abuse his access to the hard drive with the Covenant investigative file.

🚌 Once You Add A New Tax… Tomorrow, the council will hear Mayor O’Connell’s transit referendum on its first reading. The ordinance, which outlines Freddie’s Choose How You Move dedicated funding plan, will ultimately need 27 votes during its final reading to get placed on November’s ballot.

Included in the legislation is the much-debated half-cent sales tax increase, which will not sunset until “all debt issued for the transit improvement program has been paid and the Metropolitan Council determines by resolution that the revenues from the tax surcharges are no longer needed for operation of the program.” The bill also makes clear that the recurring operation and maintenance costs for this system are estimated at about $111 million per year. MEGAN PODSIEDLIK

🗳️ Campaign Season Lite With one candidate stuck in a kangaroo court and the other barely conscious, there’s a disconcerting lull on the Presidential campaign trail. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, campaign season is kicking into high gear: the highest profile race is in the Fifth Congressional District, where incumbent Andy Ogles is receiving a well-funded primary challenge from Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston. Ogles has been saddled with reports and accusations of mismanaging campaign funds, which has drawn the ire of many wealthy West Nashville donors and residents. At the end of last week, the Nashville Banner reported that an independent group called Conservatives With Character is dropping more than $120,000 to air an attack ad against Ogles on local television. The ad takes Ogles to task for the “out of control spending” in DC. This will be one to watch. DAVIS HUNT

DEVELOPMENT

• 8th & Roast Announces a Major Expansion (Scene)
• Long-planned project still viable for White Bridge Road site (Post)
• Neuhoff apartment buildings open in Germantown (Post)
• Rutledge Hill slated for Italian restaurant (Post)
• Bravo TV personality to open retail business in 12South (Post)

THINGS TO DO

View our calendar for the week here and our weekly film rundown here.

📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.

🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.

👨🏻‍🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide and yearly festival guide.

TONIGHT

🎸 Zach Meadows @ The Basement, 7p, Free, Info

🎸 Open Mic Mondays @ Tennessee Brew Works, 6p, Free, Info

🪕 Val Storey, Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle & New Monday @ Station Inn, 8p, $20, Info

💀 Grateful Monday @ Acme Feed & Seed, 8p, Free, Info

🕺 Motown Monday @ The 5 Spot, 9p, $5, Info