A decision on appointing a permanent Reggae Boyz head coach, initially expected this month, could now be delayed until June.

The Jamaica Observer understands the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) board, led by President Michael Ricketts, is set to meet next Tuesday to further discuss the matter regarding the positions currently vacant since April 1.

Rudolph Speid and Miguel Coley, who were appointed as interim head coach and assistant coach, respectively, last November, were expected to be reappointed this month despite Jamaica missing out on this summer’s FIFA World Cup, after losing to DR Congo in the intercontinental play-off in Mexico at the end of March.

However, the Observer understands that the decision on making a permanent appointment was put off following a lengthy meeting with the JFF Technical Committee last week.

It’s also understood that the technical committee recommended to the JFF board to extend the timeline for their coaching search to allow for the receipt and review of further coaching applications. Speid and Coley, though, are still the favourites for the job.

The extension means that Speid, Coley and the other technical staff who took charge of the team during the intercontinental play-offs could lead the team again on an interim basis during the Unity Cup next month in London, England, where the Reggae Boyz will take on India on May 27 before taking on either Nigeria or Zimbabwe in the final- or third-place play-off on May 30.

Ricketts was unavailable for comment as the Observer understands he and General Secretary Gregory Daley were travelling to Vancouver, Canada for the FIFA Congress, led by President Gianni Infantino.

However, Ricketts told the Observer last month that he was keen for Speid and Coley to continue long term, after impressing him during their four-month stint. He also said Jamaica would have been at the World Cup had Speid and Coley been in charge during the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, instead of Steve McClaren and his staff.

After their return from Mexico, both Speid and Coley said they would need time before deciding to commit to the national team. However Speid, in a recent interview with Primal Sports on YouTube, said he would return as coach “if he was asked”.

Speid has continued to coach Cavalier FC as they seek their third-straight Jamaica Premier League title but confirmed he won’t return as chairman of the technical committee, after stepping down last November, and is still on leave from his position as a JFF board director.

Coley, meanwhile, is currently the caretaker manager of Zakho FC in Iraq’s top flight, but told the Observer this month that he would “love the opportunity” to return the senior men’s programme.

While Jamaican-born coaches are reportedly being prioritised, it’s understood that there has been interest from foreign coaches even as Jamaica missed out on its seventh-straight World Cup. However, the Observer understands that it would be highly unlikely that the JFF will entertain it.

Following the Unity Cup in May, the JFF will hope to appoint a permanent coaching staff as the Reggae Boyz begin the 2026/2027 Concacaf Nations League group stage campaign in September.

Jamaica’s Head Coach Rudolph Speid looks on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final play-off football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica, at Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Reggae Boyz Assistant Coach Miguel Coley during training at Verde Valle in Guadalajara, Mexico, on March 29, 2026 — ahead of their FIFA World Cup Play-off final against DR Congo.(Photo: JFF)

Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts, currently in Vancouver, Canada, for the FIFA Congress, is set to lead a JFF board meeting next Tuesday to discuss the national men’s team coaching situation. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Reggae Boy Nickalia Fuller (right) strikes the ball as (from left) Norman Campbell, Bobby Reid and Ronaldo Webster look on during training at Verde Valle in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Monday, March 30, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Play-off final against DR Congo. (Photo: JFF)