Landon Donovan is Interim Coach for San Diego Wave
- Landon Donovan, a highly accomplished U.S. men's soccer player, is named as the interim coach for San Diego Wave.
- Donovan holds an impressive record of 57 goals in 157 international caps for the U.S. national team.
- His appointment as interim coach indicates a significant move in the soccer coaching realm.
The San Diego Wave has announced the hiring of Landon Donovan as their new interim head coach, effective immediately. Donovan takes over from Paul Buckle, who was only committed to the team through the summer window. With a USSF A senior license, Donovan will lead the Wave through the remainder of the 2024 NWSL season while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Donovan is a celebrated figure in U.S. soccer, boasting 57 goals in 157 international appearances and six MLS Cup victories. Prior to this role, he served as vice president of soccer operations for the San Diego Loyal, a USL team that folded in 2023 due to stadium issues. He previously coached the Loyal from 2019 to 2022, gaining recognition for his leadership and advocacy, notably walking off the field in 2020 to protest a homophobic slur directed at a player. The Wave's decision to part ways with former head coach Casey Stoney in June was driven by the club's ambitions and current season performance. Under Buckle, the team struggled, losing both regular-season matches and performing poorly in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Currently, the Wave sits in tenth place in the NWSL standings with a record of 3-7-6 and a -5 goal differential. In recent months, the Wave has made significant roster moves, including signing French international Delphine Cascarino and acquiring forward María Sánchez for $500,000 from the Houston Dash, indicating a commitment to improving their competitive standing.