Vlatko Andonovski Set to Resign as USWNT Coach

Potential Candidates for the USWNT Coach Position

Introduction

As news breaks that Vlatko Andonovski is set to resign as the coach of the United States Women’s National Team, speculation runs rampant about who will fill his shoes. With a team that has a rich history of success and high expectations, the next coach will have big shoes to fill. In this article, we will break down 11 potential candidates for the USWNT coach position, ranging from “must call” to long shot.

1. Jill Ellis

Jill Ellis is a name that immediately comes to mind when discussing potential candidates for the USWNT coach position. She served as the head coach for the team from 2014 to 2019 and led them to two consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. With her incredible track record and familiarity with the team, Ellis is a “must call” candidate for the position.

2. Laura Harvey

Laura Harvey is a highly respected coach in the world of women’s soccer. She has had success coaching in the NWSL, leading the Utah Royals FC and previously the Seattle Reign FC. Harvey’s tactical knowledge and ability to develop young talent make her a strong contender for the USWNT coach position.

3. Mark Parsons

Mark Parsons is another coach with a successful track record in the NWSL. He currently serves as the head coach of the Portland Thorns FC and has led them to multiple playoff appearances. Parsons’ ability to build a cohesive and competitive team could make him a strong candidate for the USWNT coach position.

4. Arsène Wenger

While primarily known for his time as the manager of Arsenal FC, Arsène Wenger has expressed interest in coaching a national team in the past. His vast experience and tactical knowledge make him an intriguing candidate for the USWNT coach position. However, the question remains whether Wenger would be willing to make the transition to women’s soccer.

5. Tony Gustavsson

Tony Gustavsson is a name that may not be as familiar to casual fans, but he has had a significant impact on women’s soccer as an assistant coach. He has worked with the USWNT as an assistant coach under Jill Ellis and played a key role in their success at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Gustavsson’s intimate knowledge of the team and his coaching experience make him a viable candidate for the head coach position.

6. Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes has made a name for herself as the head coach of Chelsea FC Women in the Women’s Super League. Under her guidance, Chelsea has become one of the top teams in Europe. Hayes’ ability to build a winning culture and get the best out of her players could make her an excellent candidate for the USWNT coach position.

7. Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon, although primarily known for her basketball career, has expressed interest in coaching men’s soccer in the future. Her experience as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs and her passion for the game make her an intriguing candidate for the USWNT coach position. While Hammon’s lack of experience in women’s soccer may be seen as a drawback, her knowledge of the game and leadership qualities could make her a successful coach.

8. Christy Holly

Christy Holly is a rising star in the coaching world. Currently the head coach of Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL, Holly has displayed exceptional leadership skills and tactical knowledge. Despite his relative lack of experience at the highest level, Holly’s commitment to player development and his ability to adapt to different styles of play make him a potential candidate for the USWNT coach position.

9. Phil Neville

Phil Neville is no stranger to success in women’s soccer. As the former head coach of the England women’s national team, Neville led them to a fourth-place finish in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. While his tenure with England was not without controversy, Neville’s experience and understanding of the game make him a candidate worth considering for the USWNT coach position.

10. Paul Riley

Paul Riley has achieved success at the club level as the head coach of the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL. Under his guidance, the Courage have won multiple NWSL championships. Riley’s ability to build a winning team and his emphasis on attacking soccer make him an interesting candidate for the USWNT coach position.

11. Long Shots

While the previous ten candidates are all strong contenders for the USWNT coach position, there are a few long shots worth mentioning. Some of the long shot candidates include Pia Sundhage, who previously coached the USWNT and is now with the Brazil women’s national team, and Pep Guardiola, a highly successful men’s coach with Manchester City. While these long shots may not be the most realistic options, they possess the experience and track record to potentially succeed at the helm of the USWNT.

Conclusion

As Vlatko Andonovski prepares to resign as the coach of the United States Women’s National Team, the search for his successor is underway. With an impressive pool of potential candidates, ranging from established coaches with a proven track record to up-and-coming stars in the coaching world, the future of the USWNT looks promising. The decision to appoint the next coach will be a critical one, as they will need to navigate the high expectations and continue the legacy of success that the team has established.