The NWSL’s San Diego Wave FC are set to make a splash with their latest coaching hire. Sources have confirmed to ESPN that former Arsenal Women manager Jonas Eidevall will be taking the reins as the Wave’s new head coach in the coming days.
Eidevall resigned from his post at Arsenal back in October, just seven matches into the 2024-25 season. But the highly regarded Swedish coach won’t be out of the game for long, as he prepares to bring his talents stateside to one of the NWSL’s top expansion teams.
A Proven Track Record of Success
During his three-year tenure at Arsenal, Eidevall established himself as one of the top managers in women’s soccer. He led the Gunners to back-to-back League Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024, as well as guiding them to the Champions League semifinals in 2023.
Under Eidevall’s leadership, Arsenal consistently finished in the top three of the Women’s Super League, cementing their status as perennial title contenders. His tactical acumen, player development skills, and winning mentality made him a sought-after target for NWSL clubs even before his departure from Arsenal.
Ready for a New Challenge
Now, Eidevall is poised to bring that same expertise to San Diego. He takes over a Wave side that is under new ownership, after the Levine Leichtman family acquired the club in October. The head coaching position had been vacant since Casey Stoney’s departure in June, with Paul Buckle and Landon Donovan serving in interim roles.
Eidevall will be tasked with leading a talented Wave roster that includes USWNT standouts like defender Naomi Girma and forward Jaedyn Shaw, as well as French international Delphine Cascarino. With the club entering just its second season, the 39-year-old coach has an opportunity to shape the team’s identity and build a perennial contender in the ultra-competitive NWSL.
“Jonas is one of the most innovative and successful coaches in women’s soccer,” a Wave source told ESPN. “We believe he is the perfect fit to lead our club as we aim to establish ourselves among the NWSL elite.”
A New Era in San Diego
Eidevall’s arrival signals the start of an exciting new chapter for San Diego Wave FC. After a promising expansion season that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs, the club is betting on the Swedish manager to help them take the next step.
His experience in developing young talent, tactical flexibility, and winning pedigree make him an ideal fit for a Wave team looking to establish themselves as a force in the NWSL for years to come. With Eidevall at the helm, expectations will be high in San Diego heading into the 2025 campaign.
As the franchise enters this new era, Wave fans have reason to be optimistic. With an accomplished manager like Eidevall leading the way and a roster brimming with talented internationals, San Diego looks poised to make some serious noise in the NWSL. The soccer world will be watching with keen interest to see how this exciting partnership unfolds.
