Soccer legend Landon Donovan is opening up about one of the biggest surprises of his coaching career, and it has everything to do with who he prefers to lead on the field. While speaking to reporters, including The Blast, during a celebrity shift at Raising Cane’s new Inglewood Flagship Restaurant on Tuesday, June 9, Landon Donovan reflected on the coaching role that taught him the most about himself.
Landon Donovan Says Coaching Women Changed His Perspective
When asked which role throughout his soccer career helped him learn the most, Donovan pointed to his time coaching the San Diego Wave and admitted the experience shifted his perspective in an unexpected way. “That actually was coaching the San Diego W,” Donovan said. “I learned a lot about myself doing it.”
According to Donovan, one of the most surprising parts of the experience was realizing he strongly preferred coaching women over men. “I much, much, much prefer coaching women to men,” Donovan admitted.
Donovan Explains Why He Prefers Coaching Women
Donovan went on to explain that the difference came down to engagement, communication, and a willingness to absorb information.
According to the former U.S. soccer star, the women he coached appeared more invested in meetings and eager to learn. “They were more engaged,” Donovan said. “They at least outwardly appeared they wanted more information.”
He contrasted that experience with coaching men, joking that attention spans often faded quickly. “The guys after like eight minutes in a meeting…” Donovan said, trailing off with a laugh.
For Donovan, the experience offered a new perspective not only on coaching styles, but also on himself. “It was really fun to experience that part of me,” he added.
Coaching Changed Landon Donovan’s Perspective
While Donovan is widely recognized for his legendary playing career and status as one of the most influential figures in U.S. soccer history, his transition into coaching offered a new perspective on the game. The former athlete also hinted that he sees similar differences in his own family dynamic. “I see it with my boys too versus my girl,” Donovan said.
While Donovan did not elaborate further, his comments offered a glimpse into how his time coaching women reshaped his outlook and challenged some of his expectations. For those unaware, Donovan served as interim head coach of National Women’s Soccer League club San Diego Wave FC, stepping into the role in August 2024 and remaining with the team through the end of the season in November. Before that, he coached USL Championship club San Diego Loyal SC, a team he co-founded and managed from 2020 to 2022.
Donovan Brings Star Power To Raising Cane’s Inglewood Flagship
Donovan made the comments while appearing at Raising Cane’s forthcoming Inglewood Flagship Restaurant, where he worked the Brand’s first celebrity “shift” ahead of a major summer of international soccer in Los Angeles. Located steps from SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, the appearance comes as the city prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the globe for one of the sport’s biggest moments.
As the face of Raising Cane’s “Kick It with Cane’s” summer campaign, Donovan traded match analysis for Chicken Fingers, spending time with fans, signing autographs, posing for photos, and speaking with media during the event.
The appearance also offered a first look inside Raising Cane’s newest Flagship location at Hollywood Park, a multi-level restaurant featuring immersive digital displays, interactive experiences, custom artwork, and design elements inspired by the energy of Inglewood’s growing sports and entertainment district.
The Inglewood Flagship becomes the latest addition to Raising Cane’s lineup of destination restaurants across the country, joining high-profile locations in Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, Nashville, and New York City.
Beyond his partnership with Raising Cane’s, Donovan will also join FOX Sports’ coverage this summer, bringing his perspective as a USMNT legend to one of soccer’s biggest stages.
Landon Donovan Built A Legacy On And Off The Field
Long before stepping into coaching, Donovan cemented himself as one of the most influential figures in American soccer history.
The former LA Galaxy standout helped popularize the sport in the United States during his playing career, becoming one of Team USA’s all-time leading scorers and assist leaders while appearing in multiple World Cups.
Now working as a broadcaster and analyst, Donovan remains deeply connected to the sport and continues helping shape conversations around soccer in America, both on and off the field.