The golden generation of the USMNT will hopefully get their acts right and perform well for their country. Moreover, the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino is inevitable, and the team looks to evolve under a splendid coach at the helm. But if you look at it, there are coaching options within the country itself. Why not them? Why not people like Landon Donovan? Well, he is not interested in the gig. In fact, he doesn’t want to coach in the MLS too.

Chatting with Alexi Lalas and David Mosse in the State of the Union podcast, Donovan revealed why he turned down several MLS offers to take up the San Diego Wave interim coach job in the NWSL. The Wave fired Casey Stoney after a seven-game winless streak saw the team drop down to 12th position. At the moment, Donovan is temporarily overseeing the team. Despite the allure of a far greater role, he provided reasons for not becoming a part of the MLS.

Landon Donovan reflects on the MLS challenge for NWSL!

In the interview, he stated, “I don’t know where it goes. As far as people asking, you know, like, is this a stepping stone, I’ve had. You know, Loyal was quote a stepping stone. And I had the ability to coach in the MLS for four different times and turned it down because it wasn’t the right fit.” 

In fact, multiple teams in the MLS were ready to secure his signature. San Jose Earthquakes is one prominent team that approached Landon Donovan to take up their head coach role. At that time, he worked for the San Diego Loyal in the USL, but the team disbanded after various issues. Likewise, Real Salt Lake knocked on his door to lead the team from the front. So, loyalty became a telling factor in his career and he wants the same with San Diego Wave.

He continued, “So, I do what I love to do. I do what I’m passionate about and I work with people who I like to work with. I don’t need to do this and I am very fortunate. So, I chose to do it and I’m going to do it where I want with the people I want. And now, there’s no where better for me to be than right here.”

Denying opportunities to coach in the MLS, Donovan looks to steady the San Diego Wave ship after their recent tumultuous times. The team has struggled to get going after falling 12th in the NWSL. Hence, things are looking sketchy for the team. Donovan remains the interim coach, but if performances improve, he could land a permanent role to manage the likes of Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma.

Let’s hope he can land it because the women’s game deserves a legend like him to give his perspective on soccer.