The San Diego Wave hired Landon Donovan as its new interim head coach, the team announced Friday. Donovan replaces outgoing interim head coach Paul Buckle, whose original commitment to the team only ran through the summer window. Donovan holds a USSF A senior license and will coach the Wave through the end of the 2024 NWSL season while the club continues its search for a permanent hire.
Donovan is one of the most decorated U.S. men’s soccer players in program history with 57 goals in 157 international caps, as well as winning the MLS Cup six times. He was vice president of soccer operations for the San Diego Loyal in USL until the club folded in 2023 due to an inability to find “a viable near- and long-term stadium solution in the market.” Before that, Donovan was the Loyal’s head coach from 2019 to 2022.
“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,” said Wave general manager Camille Ashton via a club statement.
Donovan will take over immediately, coaching…
