As soon as San Diego Wave interim coach Landon Donovan began his new gig, people already were asking if his role was truly short term and merely a stepping stone to a Major League Soccer post.
On Monday, Donovan answered the speculation.
The U.S. soccer great said the door was open to a longer stint with San Diego’s National Women’s Soccer League club if he and management mutually like the arrangement after this season ends in the fall.
Addressing reporters in Panama City, Donovan revealed that on four occasions he had been approached for MLS leadership positions, and turned them down.
“There is no better place in the world for me to be working right now than where I’m working with the Wave,” he said. “I am so content and so at peace.”
He said he doesn’t worry about a next job.
“I am present and happy to be here, and I want to help this team succeed,” said Donovan, whose selection was announced Friday.
If, at the end of the season, Wave president Jill Ellis is pleased with his coaching, and it’s the right path for him, his future with the club will be discussed, said Donovan, 42, formerly the executive vice president of soccer operations for the San Diego Loyal, following three years as the head coach for the USL club.
He said Ellis messaged him looking for leadership suggestions after the dismissal of coach Casey Stoney in June as the local team had won only three matches this season.
Donovan, who said he has known Ellis since 2015, talked it over with his wife and contacted the club president, saying he himself was game.
He said he thought, “I love San Diego. We’ve loved watching and supporting the wave. I miss coaching. Maybe I should think about it.”
He called Ellis an “incredible” human being and leader.
Several times answering questions in Spanish, Donovan spoke to the media before the Wave’s participation at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Concacaf W Champions Cup in its tournament opener against Santa Fe FC in Panama City, Panama.
The match will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.
The head coach admitted that he face a “steep” learning curve about the NWSL, but that he’s getting up to speed fast.
“I’ve watched a ton of film in the last two weeks,” he said. “I’m trying to understand the league better.”
Donovan said he’s already had a talk with star player Alex Morgan about having a successful rest of her career and planned to meet with all players individually.
Morgan hasn’t scored a goal this season.
In his three practices with them, Donovan said he was very impressed the quality of the team and its work ethic and versatility.
“They’re able to do a lot of things tactically and physically and so we’re going to be fine,” he said. “It’s difficult for sure.”
He noted that his first game — against the Colombian team Santa Fe — is only three days into his tenure, “but I think they’re in a good place, and tomorrow should be a lot of fun.”
His early goals are bringing some confidence and belief in what he called “identity building” and having a “strong culture.”
Declaring that his No. 1 core value is compassion, Donovan said, “I know these women have been through a lot this year and then in some cases a lot in their careers.”
“Because of all the experiences I’ve been through, I think I can connect with them on a on a really personal level, and if I make them better soccer players, that’s great,” he said. “And I think I will, but I want to make them better human beings.”
He said it’s similar to his days coaching San Diego Loyal.
“There are some people who are in very difficult spots in the moment or have had hard things in their lives,” Donovan said.
He continued, “I don’t view this as purely soccer job. My job is to have a positive impact on their lives every day.”
San Diego Wave FC had an impressive first two years – making it to the playoffs in their inaugural season and winning the NWSL Shield in 2023.
But the club finds itself now in 10th place with a 3-6-7 record. Assistant Coach Paul Buckle was the interim leader after Stoney’s departure, so Donovan is the third head coach this season.
While trying to “right the ship,” the new head coach said, “I only know how to do things one way, and that’s all in and go for it.”
As a player, Donovan earned six MLS Cup titles in his career with the San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy. Nationally, Donovan earned four Gold Cup trophies and was chosen as the Best Young Player in the 2002 World Cup.
On the international level, Donovan leads the U.S. Men’s National Team with 57 goals and 58 assists. His 157 appearances are second-most all-time in U.S. history.
During his four-year tenure with the Loyal, he led the club to three playoff spots (2021, 2022, 2023).
The Wave returns to Snapdragon Stadium as the NWSL season continues in a match against Angel City FC at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Team members who took part in the 2024 Paris Olympics will be recognized.
