SAN DIEGO — San Diego Wave FC has tapped former Arsenal Women FC coach Jonas Eidevall as the new head coach, the club announced Tuesday.
Eidevall, 41, of Sweden, was most recently at the helm of London’s Arsenal, a role he left in October. During his tenure from 2021 to 2024, he led the club to three consecutive top-three finishes in the Women’s Super League, as well as FA Women’s League Cup titles in 2023 and 2024.
Eidevall began his coaching career at Lunds BK in Sweden, rising to become the club’s head coach. He also held various coaching roles at FC Rosengård in the Swedish Damallsvenskan for around five years.
Wave FC leaders said the club conducted an international search for a new coach, with Eidevall emerging as the ideal candidate.
“Jonas’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for San Diego Wave FC,” said Wave FC owner Lauren Leichtman, whose family acquired the club in October from Ron Burkle. “His leadership, vision, and track record of success make him an excellent fit for this role to guide our club forward. We are excited for this next chapter and are confident Jonas will build a culture within the team that not only competes for championships but also inspires our fans and represents the values of San Diego.”
Eidevall said he looks forward to achieving great things and “making unforgettable memories” for Wave FC.
“I am honored and proud to be named the head coach of San Diego Wave FC,” Eidevall said. “This is a club with a clear vision for success, both on and off the field, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this talented team by the Leichtman-Levine Family and Camille Ashton. San Diego is a city with passionate fans and a vibrant fútbol culture, and I’m eager to contribute to building a winning legacy here.”
Wave FC has officially announced @Eidevall as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2025 season 🌊 https://t.co/4JYU9y5OIL
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) January 7, 2025
Eidevall comes to Wave after a difficult year for the club, which fired head coach Casey Stone last June. Stone led the team from its inaugural 2022 season, leading them to an NWSL Shield in the 2023 and 2024 Challenge Cup. However, the team struggled for much of the 2024 regular season, finishing in 10th place with a 6-13-7 record.
Wave also faced challenges off the field, with Wave president Jill Ellis departing the club for an executive role at FIFA following months of allegations from former staff that she contributed to a toxic work environment.
Wave FC has not announced its 2025 season schedule yet, but tickets are available for two preseason matches at the Coachella Valley Invitational on Feb. 16 and 22.
The club will begin the 2025 season without some of the powerhouse players from its inaugural year, including star U.S. National Team player Alex Morgan, who retired in September, and midfielder Emily van Egmond.
New players signed to the club include University of Texas forward Trinity Byars and UCLA defender Quincy McMahon, both 21 years old.
