Why is there so much head coaching turnover in the NWSL?

Why is there so much head coaching turnover in the NWSL?

Author: The Athletic September 17, 2026 Duration: 46:49

How long does the average head coach last in the NWSL? Why do we see so much turnover at the head coaching position? What are the causes, and what are the solutions (if we need them)?


On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin for a deep dive into coaching turnover in the NWSL. The trio unpacks all the data from coaching turnover over the last five years in the NWSL, examining the trends behind the revolving door as well as trying to understand which clubs are showing a different way. Are male and female head coaches given different lengths of tenure? What is the adequate amount of time to evaluate a head coach?

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

PANEL: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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Referenced on the show:

As NWSL grows, ‘head coach retention’ should become a new marker of success

Houston Dash fire coach Fabrice Gautrat and technical director Twila Kilgore

Vlatko Andonovski’s Kansas City Current departure: ‘The finality of it hurts for the players’

Bay FC close to appointing ex-Chelsea general manager Paul Green as head of football

Meet Jimmy Coenraets, the 31-year-old Utah Royals coach leading NWSL’s most unlikely contender

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For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Full Time: A show about women's soccer
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