Coaching Career
After a year off, Nowak was appointed as head coach of D.C. United starting in the 2004 season. He quickly pulled the team together and led D.C. to their fourth MLS Cup.
On 20 December 2006, the Washington Post reported that Nowak would be leaving United to act as assistant to Bob Bradley with the United States Men's national team, and the Under-23 Men's national team, which competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
On 28 May 2009, Nowak resigned from his position with the United States Men's National Team. Subsequently, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Nowak would be the first head coach of the MLS' Philadelphia Union when it begins play in 2010. On Friday, 29 May 2009, Nowak was introduced to the Philadelphia media.
Nowak was fired by the Union on 13 June 2012 after a series of controversial moves including the trade of the Union's leading goal scorer, Sebastian Le Toux, captain Danny Califf, and number one draft pick Danny Mwanga. Before he was fired, Nowak had presided over the Union's worst season to date, posting a 2–7–2 record. The official reasoning behind the firing was revealed in July of 2012 when Nowak filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the team. Union officials claimed that Nowak had breached League rules relating to collective bargaining agreements, negligence in managing the health and welfare of players during practices and games, and breaches of team rules, including "orally berating and physically intimidating fellow employees." One source has said Nowak may have actually profited from these player transactions.
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