Ok time to ignore all the theatrics and be serious.
A look at the candidates:
Thegame187
Club success: Manager for 19 seasons since S13. 4 in D.V, 3 in D.IV, 8 in D.III, 3 in D.II, 1 in NBBA. Currently in D.II after relegating from NBBA.
NT record: Coached NZ U21 NT, 28th in world, for 6 seasons. Enjoys 73% approval rating. No strong sign of innovation or success but in fairness, not much to work with in terms of a player base.
Training: Has never trained a US U21 NT player (which would be a sign of personal commitment to U21 team's success, a desirable trait in a would-be manager).
Philosophy: Different player builds that often strongly defy conventional norms. Limited justification for these builds (e.g. no PA/DR/HA on a potential SG in khenry's hypothetical situation when statistics show the necessity of those skills). Questions tactical choices, even successful ones, (e.g. motion in semifinal) in ways that seem to contradict his desire to run multiple offenses, 'break out of the mold' and be different. Is an offsite member but rarely active. Disapproves of the offsite, ostensibly on the grounds of being too much of a cabal/secret society that is more concerned with its own interests and not welcoming to others. Is concerned that Phyr is just getting a free pass to run again based on his hard work and reputation on the offsite, even though he hasn't produced the desired results (i.e. not winning gold). Would de-emphasize offsite contributions as manager despite an unprecedented track record of success produced by the community discussion. Seems to want to do things his own way, being different for the sake of being different and putting all the power in the hands of one individual, himself, instead of the community.
Godbear
Club success: Manager for 8 seasons since S24. 3 in D.V, 2 in D.IV, 3 in D.III. Currently in D.III after losing in the finals with a chance to advance to D.II on the line.
NT record: No NT coaching record (that I know of). Has registered in several of the past U21 elections, seemingly only half seriously at best. Garnered some (again half-joking) support for his theatrically embellished speeches of patriotism.
Training: Has never trained a US U21 NT player (which would be a sign of personal commitment to U21 team's success, a desirable trait in a would-be manager).
Philosophy: Has often run on 'Murica-based themes, how America is the best and deserves to win. Currently more of the same and proclaiming how failing to defeat France in the final makes Phyr unfit to lead 'Murica. Little involvement on the offsite but has not voiced explicit disapproval.
Phyr
Club success: Manager for 10 seasons since S22. 3 in D.V, 3 in D.IV, 3 in D.III, 1 in D.II. Currently in D.II after losing in the first round of playoffs in first season in D.II.
NT record: Coached US U21 NT for past two seasons, winning Americas and getting Silver in worlds after a rough start with one of the weaker teams in recent memory that especially struggled during the beginning of this season. Had to overcome enthusiasm deficit and stronger opponents (e.g. Italy) via different tactical choices agreed upon by collective decision. Ultimately defeated in Finals by his his own trademark--France used tactics to perfection on offense and defense to give US one of their most significant losses in team history both due to the margin of defeat and what was at stake.
Training: Has trained U21 players on Utopia team devoted basically specifically to the good of the U21 NT. Has been preparing a crop of big men for next season's worlds team since before he was elected manager.
Philosophy: Emphasizes importance of offsite community, sticking with what has been shown to work. Emphasizes importance of scouting and has been a leader in this area on the offsite. Not looking to make major