USWNT: Jill Ellis stepping down as USWNT head coach

According to Equalizer Soccer, Jill Ellis is stepping down as the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. She will stay for the Victory Tour.

U.S. Soccer (July 30, 2019) — According to Jeff Kassouf and Equalizer Soccer, the Jill Ellis era of the USWNT is ending. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup head coach is stepping down from her role.

Ellis will remain with the team for the Victory Tour, The Equalizer reports.

Ellis has 102 victories, which is the second-most in the program. She is right behind legendary USWNT coach, the late Tony DiCicco. Meanwhile, Ellis has the chance to add a few more victories to her mantle, with five Victory Tour matches. Meanwhile, DiCicco had 105 USWNT wins to his name. Ellis has a change to pass him up. The USWNT opens up the tour against Ireland on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

Ellis took over the USWNT in May 2014. She was named the team’s interim head coach after the firing of Tom Sermanni, who is now in charge of the New Zealand Women’s National Team. She took the USWNT to two World Cups and competed at the Olympics. However, the USWNT did not medal in 2016.

The 52-year-old, who resides in Florida, was looking at a near contract expiration. According to the Equalizer, Ellis’ contract expires tomorrow. “The decision to step down was Ellis’, according to those familiar with the situation,” Kassouf wrote.

The Equalizer also reported that a general manager will be soon named for the USWNT. However, candidate has already been chosen, but the official announcement it not yet here. Meanwhile, the search for a new coach will begin immediately, as the USWNT will begin Olympic qualifying in February.

Ellis holds a winning percentage of .874. Meanwhile, only seven matches have been lost under her leadership.

What Jill Ellis had to say

Per a press release from U.S. Soccer, Ellis said working with the USWNT team and players has been an “honor of a lifetime.”

“I want to thank and praise them for their commitment and passion to not only win championships but also raise the profile of this sport globally while being an inspiration to those who will follow them,” Ellis said. “I want to sincerely thank the world class coaches and staff with whom I’ve had the privilege to work — they are quintessential professionals and even better people.”

Meanwhile, Ellis also thanked the U.S. Soccer Federation for their support and investment.

“When I accepted the head coaching position this was the timeframe I envisioned,” Ellis said. “The timing is right to move on and the program is positioned to remain at the pinnacle of women’s soccer. Change is something I have always embraced in my life and for me and my family this is the right moment.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Soccer president Carlos Codeiro said U.S. Soccer owes Ellis a debt of gratitude.

“Jill was always extremely passionate about this team, analytical, tremendously focused and not afraid to make tough decisions while giving her players the freedom to play to their strengths,” Codeiro said. “She helped raise the bar for women’s soccer in the USA and the world, and given the history of this program, the level of success she achieved is even more remarkable.”

BTW, can we take a sec to talk about these 🔥 stats?

102 Wins. Seven losses. S E V E N. 🤯#ThankYouJill: https://t.co/5I3dwtQXIo pic.twitter.com/nCOwAOpVnT

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 30, 2019