In January, San Diego Wave FC extended head coach Casey Stoney’s contract. However, on Monday, they decided to part ways with her.
Stoney, the first manager in the club’s history, played a key role in building a roster that has reached the playoffs every year since its inception. In 2023, San Diego clinched the NWSL Shield for the best regular-season record. Despite this, their success hasn’t carried over to the postseason.
Currently, the team is in 9th place in the National Women’s Soccer League, just outside the playoff spots, and is enduring a 7-game winless streak with offensive struggles. The timing of her dismissal surprised many in the soccer community.
“We are immensely grateful to Casey for her commitment to our club and the positive impact she has had both on and off the pitch,” said San Diego Wave FC President Jill Ellis. “Over the past seasons, Casey has guided us to significant milestones, and her contributions have been instrumental in laying a strong foundation on which to build. The decision to part ways was very hard and not made in haste, but given the ambition of this club, and where we are in our season, we felt a change was necessary at this time.”
Paul Buckle will step in as interim head coach while the club launches a “global search for a permanent head coach.”
Buckle last served as head coach for Sacramento Republic in 2017. He currently runs a soccer consultancy, has previously worked with Wave, and served as an adviser for the Loyal.
