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The U.S. Soccer Federation says it will not renew coach Bruce Arena's contract when it expires at the end of this year, bringing his eight-year tenure to an end.

In making the announcement Friday, federation president Sunil Gulati said Arena's success on the field is unprecedented.

Despite the praise, it was widely expected Arena was on his way out after the U.S. men were eliminated from the first round of this year's World Cup in Germany, losing twice and gaining a 1-1 draw against eventual champion Italy.

US midfielder Ben Olsen, left, tries to hold defender Chris Albright back as they warm up during training in Norderstedt, GermanyArena said that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time as the U.S. coach, and he is proud of how far the organization has come since he took over. The 54-year-old Brooklyn, New York native is the most successful coach in U.S. men's national team history, compiling a record of 71 wins, 30 losses and 29 ties in eight years.

Arena guided the U.S. team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, where the Americans lost to Germany. Before taking over the U.S. men's team, he helped lead Major League Soccer's D.C. United Club to the MLS title three times. He also coached the U.S. men's Olympic team in 1996 and led the University of Virginia to five national championships.