Landon Donovan named San Diego Wave interim coach

The USMNT legend doesn’t appear to have any experience coaching in the women’s game

American soccer legend Landon Donovan has been named the San Diego Wave’s interim head coach for the rest of the 2024 season.

The Wave surprisingly fired Casey Stoney in June and have been led by Paul Buckle on an interim basis since the move. Buckle has led the Wave to a 1W-3L-1D record since taking over, and the NWSL club has now opted to make another change.

The move was first reported by Sandiego.futbol and was later confirmed by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

“We are thrilled to have Landon join the club and lead the team for the remainder of the season, including the first-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup,” said Wave general manager Camille Ashton.

“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. His passion for this city and growing the game, along with having a player-first mentality, make him a natural fit for this club.”

Donovan, 42, served as head coach of USL Championship side San Diego Loyal between 2020 and 2022, moving to a role as executive VP of soccer operations ahead of the 2023 season. The Loyal folded last year amid competition from incoming MLS side San Diego FC.

The joint all-time U.S. men’s national team scoring leader does not appear to have any experience coaching in the women’s game. Donovan most recently served as a lead match analyst for Fox’s coverage of Euro 2024.

His first game in charge will come on Tuesday, when the Wave travel to Panama to face Santa Fé in their first match of the Concacaf W Champions Cup.

Following that match, the Wave face rival Angel City FC in a NWSL game on August 24.

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