Ricketts confirms high interest in vacant Reggae Boyz head coach position

Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), says they have been receiving a number of applications for the position of head coach for the national senior men’s football team.

Ricketts, who declined to name any of the applicants  for the job, said this is part of the process and therefore the best suitable candidate will be selected for the job.

“This is a normal procedure and, once there is a vacancy, then people who are interested will have to apply,” said Ricketts.

“People have been applying and so the process has been ongoing and people will be interviewed and the best candidate will be recommended to be ratified by the board,” Ricketts stated.

The JFF has been in the market for a new head coach since the resignation of the Englishman Steve McClaren from the post last  November after Jamaica failed to qualify for this month's World Cup tournament.

Veteran local coach Rudolph Speid has been interim head coach since, with Miguel Coley as his assistant.

Ricketts noted that, if both men are interested in the job, then they will also have to apply for the position.

“Well, if they want the job then, they will have to apply too,” said Ricketts.

“In fact, anybody who wants the job will have to go through the process of submitting your applications with their relevant qualifications and  will be interviewed by the technical committee and the recommendations made to the board of directors who will make the final decision,” he said.

Ricketts also confirmed that Speid will be in charge of the team for their friendly game against World Cup-bound side South Africa tomorrow in Mexico.

“Yes, Speid will be in charge of the senior team for this game against South Africa on Saturday,” he said.

In a media release, the JFF said candidates for head coach must possess a valid Concacaf A Licence or an internationally recognised equivalent of UEFA Pro/A Licence.

They also must have a proven record of elite-level coaching experience, preferably with senior national teams or top-tier professional clubs. Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, tactical acumen, and communication skills, with the ability to manage high-pressure environments and diverse stakeholder expectations.

Interested candidates should submit their applications by June 30, 2026.

  A mostly local squad was called up for tomorrow's game.

Goalkeepers: Coniah Boyce Clarke,  Tafari Chambers

Defenders: Christopher Ainsworth, Ronaldo Webster, Richard King, Jeovanni Laing, Kyle Ming, Jon Bell, Robino Gordon, Tarick Ximenes.

Midfielders: Adrian Reid Jr, Brandon Cover,  Nickyle Ellis, Dwight Merrick, Courtney Clarke.

Forwards: Kaheim Dixon, Dwayne Atkinson, Trivante Stewart, Dajaune Brown, Nickalia Fuller, Khori Bennett, Ronaldo Robinson.