NWSL coaching carousel

Discussion in 'NWSL' started by SiberianThunderT, Sep 1, 2021.

  1. SiberianThunderT

    Sep 21, 2008
    DC
    Club:
    Saint Louis Athletica
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    I agree that it's a bit harsh to let ARod go considering the roster she had to work with, but it's also hard to argue with an 0.5PPG rate. Even if you have a weak roster, you can still make the soccer somewhat entertaining or seeming like it's building toward something in the future, and I'm betting that what's happened here is a lack of that promise. Considering they let go of the GK coach and team president as well, this is a bit less about ARod herself and her strategy, and more about owners feeling like the team needs a complete reboot to get the players back on board with trying to make something of the roster they have. Playoffs seem out of the question at this point, so this house-cleaning is probably an attempt at getting a head-start on next year - let the new group get a feel for what pieces are currently here and how they work, and make a good offseason of things from there.
     
    Ismitje, kolabear and rslfanboy repped this.
  2. cpthomas

    cpthomas BigSoccer Supporter

    Portland Thorns
    United States
    Jan 10, 2008
    Portland, Oregon
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    The hiring of Amy as head coach was a head scratcher, since she had no experience as a head coach anywhere near this level. If the team president was responsible for hiring her, it's no wonder there was an ending there too.
     
    castate, Ismitje and kolabear repped this.
  3. rslfanboy

    rslfanboy Member+

    Jul 24, 2007
    Section 26
    It would have been a nice story if it had worked out?

    I think part of the problem is that they convinced themselves they needed to try and compose the team with as many people with local ties, thinking that would somehow be a winning strategy?
     
    castate repped this.
  4. SiberianThunderT

    Sep 21, 2008
    DC
    Club:
    Saint Louis Athletica
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    "Winning strategy" in franchise sports can often mean whatever brings in the most money, and local ties can often do well in bringing in attendance. (Of course, appealing to the audience with inspirational locals can only do so much if the overall product isn't good)
     
  5. rslfanboy

    rslfanboy Member+

    Jul 24, 2007
    Section 26
    Or if they fail to attract and negotiate contracts for the best local talent.
     
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  6. Reign Man

    Reign Man Member

    SEATTLE REIGN!
    Sep 28, 2016
    Seattle
    Club:
    Seattle
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    I suspect Utah will regret this!
     
  7. SiberianThunderT

    Sep 21, 2008
    DC
    Club:
    Saint Louis Athletica
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    Rob Gale has been officially hired as head coach by Portland
     
  8. rslfanboy

    rslfanboy Member+

    Jul 24, 2007
    Section 26
    I thought he’d be a better fit for Chicago.









    You know….







    The WINDY CITY! :giggle::giggle::giggle:
     
  9. SiberianThunderT

    Sep 21, 2008
    DC
    Club:
    Saint Louis Athletica
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    Seeing reports that San Diego's interim head coach will be none other than Landon Donovan. He previously coached the San Diego Loyal in the USLC with a 39W-17D-29L record.
     
  10. lil_one

    lil_one Member+

    Nov 26, 2013
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    In a vacuum, I guess it'd be fine, but looking back at when they fired Stoney (seemingly with no plan for who to hire afterwards) and now hiring Donovan with limited experience as a head coach (although, to be fair, he did really well with the Loyal) and no experience with a women's team, it's just odd.
     
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  11. SiberianThunderT

    Sep 21, 2008
    DC
    Club:
    Saint Louis Athletica
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    It is a bit out of left field, but as *interim* hires go, it's honestly pretty good I think. Local, good (if short) coaching record, recognizable name. The org still definitely has questions that need answering, but for a stopgap measure, this is fairly solid IMO.
     

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