Casey Stoney out as San Diego Wave head coach
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Casey Stoney is no longer head coach of the NWSL's San Diego Wave FC. Photo: Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images
San Diego Wave FC and head coach Casey Stoney parted ways Monday.
Why it matters: The Wave's only head coach, she was the longest-tenured coach in the National Women's Soccer League and led the team to its first two trophies — the 2023 NWSL Shield and the 2024 Challenge Cup.
- Stoney was named the league's coach of the year in 2022 — the Wave's inaugural season — and led them to the first playoff berth for an NWSL expansion club.
State of play: Coming off a successful 2023 season, the Wave currently sit ninth in the 14-team league with a 3-5-6 record, as they struggle on offense.
- On a seven-game winless streak, the team stands one point outside of the playoff line nearly halfway through the season.
- Last year, the Wave won the NWSL Shield with the league's best regular-season record but lost in the semifinals of the playoffs.
What they're saying: "Over the past seasons, Casey has guided us to significant milestones, and her contributions have been instrumental in laying a strong foundation on which to build," San Diego Wave FC president Jill Ellis said in a statement.
- "The decision to part ways was very hard and not made in haste, but given the ambition of this club and where we are in our season, we felt a change was necessary at this time."
- Thanking the Wave's supporter group the San Diego Sirens on X, Stoney wrote: "Today, I'm broken, but in time I will be proud of what we all achieved together!"
Flashback: In January, the club and Stoney agreed to a contract extension through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028.
- The Wave were also sold to new owners in a March deal valued at $120 million.
- Earlier this month, Camille Ashton was appointed as the Wave's new general manager and sporting director — a role that manages the coaching staff.
What's next: Assistant Paul Buckle will serve as interim head coach, while Ashton and Ellis head the global search for Stoney's replacement.
- The Wave play the Chicago Red Stars on Friday at Snapdragon Stadium.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a comment from Casey Stoney.