Michael Findlay Departs as Bermuda Coach on the Eve of Congo Friendly
HAMILTON, Bermuda – The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) is once again on the hunt for a new leader for the senior men’s national team after announcing the departure of head coach Michael Findlay by mutual consent.
Michael FindlayThe Canadian tactician, who took the reins in August 2023, vacates his post with remarkably poor timing, leaving the Gombey Warriors just days before a high-stakes international friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Mexico.
In a statement released on Monday, the BFA confirmed the split, expressing gratitude for Findlay’s tenure while confirming that the upcoming March international window will now be overseen by Technical Development Director Maurice Lowe.
“The Bermuda Football Association and head coach Michael Findlay have mutually decided to part ways effective today,” the statement read. “Coach Findlay oversaw the senior men’s national team activities and provided support to the U23 and U20 teams over the course of his tenure.”
The association highlighted several “firsts” achieved during the 54-year-old’s time in charge, including reaching the Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims and, most notably, guiding Bermuda to the final round of the Concacaf Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time in the nation’s history.
The team also participated in the inaugural FIFA Series in Saudi Arabia. “We thank Coach Findlay for his service to the game in Bermuda,” the statement added.
“The Senior Men’s team programming and commitments through the Fifa March International window will be overseen by Maurice Lowe, BFA Technical Development Director, while the Player Development Committee completes its work to appoint a new head coach.”
With the coaching chair now vacant, speculation will inevitably turn to potential replacements. Foremost among them is Bermudian football icon Shaun Goater, who is currently seeking a new challenge after recently departing his role with Aston Villa Women.
Findlay’s tenure was a story of historic highs overshadowed by recent struggles. The undeniable peak came in June 2024 when Bermuda secured a famous 2-1 victory over Cuba in Havana, a result that punched their ticket to the final round of World Cup qualifying for the first time.
However, the campaign that followed was a harsh reality check. The Warriors managed just a single point from six group games, a 2-2 draw with Trinidad and Tobago in November that ultimately proved to be Findlay’s last match in charge.
That underwhelming return was compounded by heavy defeats, including a humbling 7-0 loss at home to Curacao and a 4-0 drubbing by Jamaica.
Findlay’s exit means that every nation in Bermuda’s World Cup qualifying group has now changed managers. Jamaica’s Steve McClaren resigned after failing to secure automatic qualification, Dick Advocaat stepped down from Curacao to care for his ill daughter, and Dwight Yorke departed Trinidad and Tobago after reportedly declining a salary reduction.
