San Diego Wave hire U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan as interim coach
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Landon Donovan at the 2023 National Soccer Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Photo: Omar Vega/Getty Images
U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan is the new interim head coach of the San Diego Wave FC.
Why it matters: Donovan will take over immediately and remain through the rest of the 2024 NWSL season, looking to lead the team out of its rut and back into playoff contention.
Driving the news: The hire was first reported by SanDiego Futbol on X and confirmed to Axios by sources before the official announcement Friday afternoon.
Catch up quick: He replaces former Wave interim head coach Paul Buckle, who committed to the role through the summer and Olympic cycle.
- Donovan is expected to coach his first Wave game Tuesday in Panama City, where the team plays Santa Fe FC in the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup.
What they're saying: "Landon's level of knowledge, understanding and experience as both a player and a coach provides us with a leader that can help guide this club to where we want to be — in a playoff position and competing for a championship," Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said Friday in a statement.
- "His passion for this city and growing the game, along with having a player-first mentality, make him a natural fit for this club."
Flashback: The Wave fired coach Casey Stoney in June, an early-season shake up that came as the team struggled to score goals and win games.
- Last season, she led the club in winning its first trophy, the NWSL Shield, with the best regular season record in the league.
- Stoney was also the NWSL coach of the year in 2022, the Wave's inaugural season.
Between the lines: As one of the best American soccer players in history, Donovan's accolades over his 20-year career are extensive.
- He won six MLS Cups, was named to a record 14 consecutive MLS All-Star games, and earned a Golden Boot and multiple MVP awards.
- Donovan holds U.S. Men's National Team records for goals (57, shared with Clint Dempsey) and assists (58), and his 157 appearances are second-most in U.S. history.
- He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2023.
Yes, but: As a San Diego local, his commitment to growing the game here is a big part of what makes him an attractive hire for the Wave.
Zoom in: Donovan was a co-founder, first head coach and former executive vice president of soccer operations for the San Diego Loyal, the city's USL club that ceased operation last year.
- Under his leadership, the club made three straight playoff runs, including in its final season.
- That leadership also led to a defining moment for the Loyal in 2020, when the team walked off the field and forfeited two games after racist and homophobic slurs were thrown at players.
- Donovan was also paid an unprecedented salary to come out of retirement and play one season with the professional indoor San Diego Sockers, which turned out to be a successful gamble to elicit more talent, fans and media coverage.
What we're watching: The Wave currently sit 10th in the 14-team league, which is just outside the playoffs.
- They've won only three of 16 games so far this season and have scored the third-fewest goals in the NWSL.
- Donovan could be a key part of the resurgence, along with USWNT stars Alex Morgan and recent Olympic gold-medal winners Naomi Girma and Jaedyn Shaw, plus Canadian national team goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
What's next: The NWSL regular season resumes for the Wave in a rivalry match against Angel City FC on Aug. 24 at Snapdragon Stadium.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from the Wave's general manager.