Landon Donovan: A New Chapter as Interim Coach of the San Diego Wave
Since his retirement from professional soccer nearly a decade ago, Landon Donovan has embarked on a remarkable journey that has seen him explore various roles within the sport. From a brief unretirement stint with the LA Galaxy to coaching and ownership roles, Donovan’s post-playing career has been anything but conventional. His latest venture, however, has taken many by surprise: he has been named the interim coach of the San Diego Wave, a women’s soccer team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
A Multifaceted Career Post-Retirement
Landon Donovan’s career after soccer has been a tapestry of diverse experiences. He briefly returned to the pitch for nine games with the Galaxy, spent time in the Mexican league with León, and even played in the Major Arena Soccer League. Beyond playing, he has made significant contributions to the sport as a coach and owner, founding a team in the USL Championship and becoming part owner of a team in Wales. His commentary work for Fox and ESPN has also kept him connected to the game he loves.
However, the most unexpected twist in Donovan’s journey came when he was appointed interim coach of the San Diego Wave. This decision marks a significant shift, as Donovan is widely regarded as one of the best male players in U.S. soccer history, yet he has had no prior experience coaching women.
The Surprising Path to Coaching
The story of how Donovan became the Wave’s interim coach is as intriguing as the appointment itself. Wave president Jill Ellis, a two-time World Cup-winning coach, reached out to Donovan for recommendations after the firing of Casey Stoney. In a surprising turn of events, Donovan expressed his desire to be considered for the role himself.
“I’m pretty surprised myself,” Donovan admitted, reflecting on how he found himself in this position. Ellis was taken aback but recognized Donovan’s passion for coaching. “He and I were having a conversation, and he sort of said, ‘you know, I miss coaching. I would like to be considered for this,’” she recounted. “So we moved on it. And I think it’s been a terrific move.”
Early Results and Challenges
Since taking the helm, Donovan’s results have been mixed. The Wave faced a disappointing 2-1 loss to Angel City FC, following a 2-0 victory in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. Despite the ups and downs, Ellis remains confident in Donovan’s abilities. She emphasizes that he was not hired to coach women specifically but to coach soccer players, highlighting his emotional intelligence and ability to connect with individuals.
Donovan’s approach to coaching is deeply influenced by his own experiences, particularly his struggles with mental health during his playing career. He has become an advocate for mental health awareness, and this perspective shapes his coaching style. “I’ve been there. I wanted compassion and grace, so I’m going to give that to them,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of empathy in his interactions with players.
A Unique Coaching Style
What sets Donovan apart as a coach is not just his impressive resume but also his demeanor. Unlike many coaches who raise their voices to make a point, Donovan speaks softly, often requiring players to lean in to hear his instructions. This gentle approach has already begun to resonate with the Wave players.
Defender Kennedy Wesley noted, “He’s very adamant on checking in on people. He’s done a very good job managing us individually.” This focus on individual player well-being is particularly significant in a league where the majority of coaches are male, and only a few teams have female managers.
Bridging the Gap
For Donovan, coaching women is a new experience, but he has found the transition to be smooth. “In the end, they’re human beings and they’re soccer players,” he explained. He recognizes subtle differences but believes they are not insurmountable. His players have responded positively to his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes getting the ball forward and maintaining possession in the opponent’s half.
During practice, Donovan adopts a cerebral approach, allowing his assistants to direct drills while he observes. His tactical insights are informed by his extensive playing experience, and he is determined to instill a proactive playing style in the Wave.
Looking Ahead
As the Wave navigate a challenging season, Donovan faces the dual task of leading the team to the NWSL playoffs and advancing in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. With a winless streak of ten games and an injury-riddled roster, including the absence of Olympic gold medalists Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma, the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
Despite the obstacles, Donovan remains optimistic about his role. “It feels like the most natural thing, by a long ways, of all the things I’ve done since I retired,” he remarked. His passion for coaching and genuine care for his players are evident, and he is committed to helping the Wave succeed.
Conclusion
Landon Donovan’s journey from soccer superstar to interim coach of the San Diego Wave is a testament to his enduring love for the game and his desire to make a positive impact. As he navigates this new chapter, his unique coaching style, emotional intelligence, and commitment to player well-being will undoubtedly shape the future of the Wave. Whether he remains in this role long-term or not, Donovan’s influence on women’s soccer is already being felt, and his story continues to unfold in exciting ways.
