San Diego FC's risky decision to hire an inexperienced coach for their MLS debut

While still set to make their MLS debut in 2025, San Diego FC has wasted no time in building a roster and beginning to flesh out the strategy. But by signing Mexican forward Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, this Southern California team made it clear: They're not here to make up the numbers. Where the real challenge for San Diego FC does seem to be elsewhere, though-the choice of its head coach.

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Mikey Varas: A Leap of Faith?

One of the most popular candidates to take over the reins from San Diego FC is Mikey Varas. At 44, Varas has a very accomplished background in American soccer-most notably coaching the U.S. U-20 national team and serving as an assistant with the senior men's team. The one piece that has not been checked off on his resume is being the head coach of a professional club.

This might mean a big risk to take for the team that is going into one of the most competitive leagues in the world. While still a young league, MLS has shown proof as one in which minor details mean the difference and the pressure to do well is always present. It's one thing coaching a youth national team or assisting in senior teams, but to handle a professional club on a daily basis, with its attendant routine and inner pressures, to manage a roster comprising of all types of players is quite a different ball game.

Right Choice or Shot in the Dark?

The appointment of Varas to take the reins at San Diego FC can indeed be considered a gamble. With all his vast knowledge of American soccer and the ability to work well with young talents, the lack of experience as a head coach at club level could turn out to be limiting, considering that San Diego FC will need to immediately establish itself in MLS.

The club does feel he will clear these hurdles and will bring new ideas into the team. His dealings with the U.S. U-20 team, which he took to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, proved he has a good eye for talent identification and development. But of course, the bigger question is: Is that enough to lead a team in MLS?

The Pressure for Immediate Results

The other valid concern is the pressure for instant results. San Diego FC will not have the luxury of a long adjustment period. Being the 30th team in MLS, all eyes will be on them, and to say the least, the expectation to deliver will be high from the first whistle onward. A difficult start might create a negative spiral that is hard to break, especially if the team doesn't have an experienced coach to navigate these turbulent waters.

Add to this the high-profile signings like Chucky Lozano, and the pressure becomes exponential. Signing an international star is not a marketing move; it's a statement of intent. San Diego FC want to start competing with the big boys, and for that to happen, they will require strong leadership that manages expectations both on and off the field.

What Next for San Diego FC?

This decision to appoint Mikey Varas as head coach can be viewed two ways: a real gamble on the potential of a young, innovative head coach or a very risky decision that could expose San Diego FC to more challenges than necessary in their inaugural season. MLS is not for the weak or a place for beginners; Varas's inexperience might be a ripe target for more experienced opponents.

Should Varas accomplish what he has in mind, San Diego FC might be about to create a success story in MLS. Everything depends on how he manages the pressure, organizes the team, and keeps them focused in this highly competitive environment.

A Path Full of Challenges

With a sports-crazed city, talented players, and what appears to be a well-put-together foundation, San Diego FC has all the ingredients to make it in MLS. But the eventual selection of the coach will determine how far this new team can go.

Mikey Varas can be one of the most promising coaches, but his experience in terms of leading a professional club is what does the difference. Time will, at fact, tell if it is something to be taken on an assistant-to-head challenge that might just end up tailoring San Diego FC's season to a successful run. What is for sure, though, is that this 2025 team is going to be one everyone is watching, with the pressure going to be immense.

The road to the future is going to be packed with impediments, and every moment the Varas management will be at test. Whether it is a resounding success or the tough lesson, the future of San Diego FC in MLS promises to be one of the most interesting stories that American soccer will see in the forthcoming years.