Dooley linked to Bangladesh job after sudden Golden Jaguars exit

May 14, 2026 Sports

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By Rawle Toney

Kaieteur Sports – The sudden resignation of Thomas Dooley as Head Coach of Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, may be tied to a potential move to Asia, with reports emerging from Bangladesh linking the veteran tactician to the vacant head coaching position of their national men’s programme.

Dooley officially stepped down from his role with Guyana on Tuesday, bringing an abrupt end to what the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) described as a promising nine-month tenure with the national programme.

In a public statement, the federation announced that Dooley had left the Golden Jaguars “to pursue new opportunities outside of Guyana, bringing his nine-month tenure with the Federation to a close after joining the team on September 9, 2025.”

The GFF also thanked the former US Men’s National Team captain for “the experience, commitment, and expertise he brought to Guyanese Football, and wishes him success in his new role and endeavours.”

While the federation stopped short of disclosing the exact nature of those opportunities, reports out of Bangladesh suggest the 65-year-old is being strongly considered for the head coaching role with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Bangladesh, currently ranked 181st in the FIFA World Rankings compared to Guyana’s 150th position, is in the process of recruiting a replacement for Javier Cabrera, and Dooley reportedly remains one of the leading candidates on an 11-man shortlist.

According to reports out of Bangladesh, the BFF is believed to be prioritising a coach with significant international and Asian football experience ahead of upcoming international assignments, qualities that place Dooley firmly within consideration.

“Thomas Dooley is on our shortlist. Now, the matter of coach appointment is entirely being looked after by the President himself. I know he will announce on 15 May,” said Kamrul Islam Hilton, chairman of the BFF technical committee, the Bangladesh Times reported.

BFF President Tabith Awal is reportedly personally directing the final phase of the recruitment process, signalling the importance the federation is placing on the appointment as preparations continue for the next international window.

Dooley’s international coaching résumé includes guiding the Philippines to their first-ever AFC Asian Cup appearance, while also serving as assistant coach to former German international and World Cup winner Jürgen Klinsmann with the United States national team setup.

Though his time in Guyana was relatively brief, Dooley oversaw a period of encouraging results for the Golden Jaguars.

During his tenure, Guyana maintained an unbeaten run in competitive friendly, recording victories over Bonaire (2–1), Antigua and Barbuda (4–1), Dominica (2–0), and Belize (3–1) between November 2025 and March 2026.

The federation, in referencing those performances, stated they reflected “steady progress under his guidance.”

Dooley, who succeeded Jamaal Shabazz after the Guyanese tactician returned to club football with Slingerz FC, reportedly informed players and staff of his resignation yesterday, coinciding with his birthday.

In a farewell message circulated to players and members of the national programme, Dooley expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the Golden Jaguars.

“Dear players, dear staff, I want to let you know personally that I have made the decision to resign from my position as Head Coach of the Guyana National Team, effective immediately,” Dooley wrote.

“This was not an easy decision, because I have great respect for you as players and as people. I appreciate the commitment, effort, and trust you have shown during our time together.”

The former defender, who captained the United States at the international level and represented the country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, also commended the players for their professionalism and commitment during his tenure.

“I want to thank each of you for your hard work, your professionalism, and the pride you have shown in representing Guyana. It has been an honour to work with you and to be part of your journey,” the statement continued.

“Your journey is not over; it is just the beginning. Believe in you individually and as a team. Soon you will be back in the Nation’s League A and back fighting for the Gold Cup.”

Dooley concluded his message by encouraging the programme to remain united and ambitious moving forward.

“I wish you, the staff, and the team nothing but success moving forward. Keep believing in yourselves, keep pushing each other, and continue to represent the country with pride. Thank you again for everything.”

His departure now leaves the GFF facing another critical decision regarding the direction of the Golden Jaguars programme, especially with important regional and international competitions approaching.

Dooley’s arrival in Guyana last September generated considerable attention because of his pedigree as both a player and a coach, and his appointment was widely viewed as part of the federation’s effort to elevate the standard and competitiveness of the national programme.

However, after just eight months in charge, his sudden exit has once again left uncertainty surrounding the future direction of Guyana’s senior men’s national team and the search for its next head coach.

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• Bangladesh job, GFF, Golden Jaguars, Thomas Dooley

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