NWSL
Landon Donovan not considered for San Diego coaching post
The former USMNT star has taken over as coach of the NWSL’s San Diego Wave and got off to a winning start. FDP discussed his new role.
At the weekend it was confirmed that Landon Donovan has been appointed the new interim coach of the San Diego Wave, where he will coach Alex Morgan and María Sánchez. Donovan, a USMNT legend, takes on his third coaching job after hanging up his boots for good in 2019.
Landon Donovan’s links to San Diego
Although there were rumors about the possibility of the 42-year-old taking over the San Diego FC franchise, which is set to join the MLS by 2025, Donovan denied any approach from the club: “They didn’t call me,” said the former midfielder.
Regarding his interim position with the Wave, Donovan made it clear that he is only concerned with the present and seeing out his contract, which is for the remainder of the 2024 season: “I’m focused on what is to come, we are thinking about helping the team, gaining a foothold in the tournament and qualifying for the playoffs. Nobody knows what will happen in the future, but we will see.”
Donovan off to a winning start
The Donovan Effect was immediate. He celebrated his first game in charge with a win - the Wave beat Santa Fe FC 2-0 in the first group game of the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup at Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama. María Sánchez opened the scoring after just 82 seconds and Kristen McNabb nodded in the second on the hour.
The W Champions Cup is the sole pathway for teams to qualify for the new FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, scheduled for January and February 2026. The Wave currently top Group B on three points with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals in May. Their next outing in the tournament is on 18 September at home to Portland Thorns FC.
And before that, San Diego welcome Angel City FC to Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday with the first 15,000 fans entering the stadium to receive a limited-edition bobblehead of defender and USWNT gold medalist, Naomi Girma.
Meanwhile, at FDP Radio, Daniel Chapela and Jaime Gallardo agreed that Donovan has enough experience, knowledge and status to be able to prove himself in this brief spell with the Wave, and put himself in a stronger position if an opportunity arises with San Diego FC next season.
Donovan, a San Diego local, was formerly the Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations for the San Diego Loyal, following three years as the first-ever head coach for the USL club. During his four-year tenure, he led the club to back-to-back-to-back playoff spots in 2021, 2022 and 2023.