Report: Soccer great Landon Donovan a finalist for Earthquakes coaching job

Soccer legend Landon Donovan, who led the Earthquakes to the only two MLS Cup titles in their history, could be returning to San Jose.

The 40-year-old Donovan is one of the finalists to become the Earthquakes coach, according to an ESPN report Monday.

He is one of five candidates remaining as the team enters its final phase of replacing five-year coach Matias Almeyda, who was relieved of his duties three months ago. ESPN reported San Jose’s interim coach Alex Covelo is also among those being considered.

Donovan has been coaching the past three years in the USL Championship, a second division league that includes the Oakland Roots. He is the coach of the San Diego Loyal, which is in third place. Donovan also doubles as the team’s co-owner and executive vice president of operations.

San Jose is currently in last place in the 14-team Western Conference, a far cry from the state of affairs when Donovan was playing with the Earthquakes 18 years ago.

Donovan’s four-year stay in San Jose produced MLS Cups in both 2001 and 2003 as the Ontario, Calif. native was a three-time All-Star.

Arguably the greatest men’s soccer player in U.S. history, Donovan also played 16 years for the U.S. men’s national team and he still holds records for most goals (57) and assists (58). Donovan retired from the MLS in 2018 as its all-time leader in goals (144), assists (136) and playoff goals (25). Ironically, Donovan’s goals record was broken by recently retired Earthquakes star Chris Wondolowski.