The Jamaica Observer can confirm that a new Reggae Boyz head coach will be appointed at the start of 2027 with Rudolph Speid set to remain in charge on an interim basis until the end of December.

The decision was made during a recent Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) board meeting where the technical committee recommended to extend the process to January to allow a thorough interview process of all applicants.

It means the search for a permanent head coach for the national senior men’s team will extend to over 12 months following the resignation of Steve McClaren last November after Jamaica failed to qualify for the ongoing FIFA World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.

The Observer understands that 43 coaches have applied, with most of the candidates coming from overseas. Several have experience coaching in some of Europe’s top leagues and countries.

It’s understood Speid, former national assistant Miguel Coley and England-born former Reggae Boyz Darren Moore and Michael Johnson were among the early applicants before the JFF publicly invited applications for the role early in June, with the application process closing on June 30.

JFF president Michael Ricketts told the Observer that, “the process seems a little tedious but based on the number of applications, the board is intent on giving each applicant a fair chance.”

Speid will oversee the start of Jamaica’s Concacaf Nations League A campaign, which kicks off in just two months. With matches scheduled for September, October and November international windows, his interim tenure will span 13 months after taking over from McClaren last November.

The three-time Jamaica Premier League and Caribbean Cup-winning coach with Cavalier has guided the Reggae Boyz in seven matches this year including the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in March and the London-based Unity Cup in May.

Speid recorded victories over Grenada, Martinique, New Caledonia and India, suffered defeats to DR Congo and Nigeria and earned a draw against South Africa.

-Daniel Blake