When Bruce Arena was let go as U.S. national team coach 10 years ago, he didn't mince words about the man who let him go. U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati was a long-time friend but the U.S. coach wasn't ready to leave the job, even after eight years in charge, and he let his displeasure be known in critical comments of his former boss.
That background made Tuesday's events all the more surprising, as Gulati announced the hiring of Arena to take on his old job a decade after leaving it.
Arena returns to his old post with more experience, and a better understanding of the demands of the position.