3 Reasons Why Landon Donovan Will Be the Next USMNT Coach

Landon Donovan is Getting a Learner’s Permit

Okay, I’ll admit it’s way too early to start speculating on Landon Donovan’s future, much less that of the USMNT.

But now as the U.S. face Mexico in an important qualifier for the World Cup in Russia I can’t help but think about what comes next.

1. Landon Donovan Will Be Ready Before San Diego is Ready

Yes, Donovan is part of a group that is devoted to bringing an MLS franchise to San Diego.  But that is going to take a while.  Certainly, if David Beckham’s experience in Miami is any indication, it could take a very long while indeed.

Meanwhile the retired U.S. national and MLS star has made it known that he’s working towards coaching at some point in the future.  He announced last summer that he had begun the process of earning his US coach’s license.

He’s gotten some experience already as well with the MLS Homegrown U20 side during 2016.

2. Bruce Arena May Be Crazy Good but He’s Not Crazy

The USSF called in Bruce Arena last year to pick up the pieces for navigating through the hex and into the World Cup.  To be honest despite all of the fans’ criticism Jurgen Klinsmann had assembled a pretty good team.

On the other hand, as such a fan there’s no one I’d rather have guiding the team the rest of the way than Arena.  I have full confidence that he will get them to Russia and out of the group stage as well.  He is that good.

But even if the unimaginable happens and Arena leads the USA to its first ever men’s World Cup title in 2018, I doubt he would want to continue in the post beyond that time.

Having looked him in the eye in person I can assure you, Bruce Arena’s not crazy.  Win or not, another go-round with the national team is probably not in his life’s game plan.

So by this time next year, the job of USMNT coach could very possibly be open.

3. Landon Donovan is the Perfect Fit

Donovan is the USA’s lone male superstar in the sport.  He’s bankable as the folks in Hollywood like to say.

Even people who know little about the game recognize his name.  He’s basically the male version of Mia Hamm.  Sorry LD, but it’s true.

Next: USMNT Down Trinidad on the Road to Russia'18

The core of the US men’s team now is old enough to maybe even have played with Donovan either professionally or internationally, but also young enough to respect his experience.

In short, Donovan can get and hold everyone’s attention on and off the field.

Now…does anybody know what the score is in the Mexico game?