Mia Hamm won’t be taking charge of the U.S. women’s national team.
As the USWNT continues to look for its next head coach following the departure of Vlatko Andonovski, Hamm shut down any discussion of her own name in connection with the opening. When asked if she would want to coach the team, the USWNT legend offered a quick and decisive “no,” telling TODAY.com she would not have the “bandwidth” or “patience” for the job.
“I’m not the coaching type,” she said.
Her former USWNT teammate Brandi Chastain left the possibility open, saying on Just Women’s Sports‘ “The 91st” that she is “not ready” but would “love to lead this national team sometime in the future.”
“Brandi has always been a consumer of the game, I mean in every possible way, whether it’s been watching as much soccer as possible, talking about it, coaching herself,” Hamm told TODAY.com, “Her husband’s been a longtime collegiate coach at Santa Clara.
“She just loves the game and is incredibly passionate about it, and she believes in her skills to do so — a cerebral player. I can see her coaching at the highest levels. She’ll give everything, that’s for sure.”
While USWNT greats continue to turn the conversation toward more experienced candidates, discussions continue to swirl around who could take the top job. Many top candidates have downplayed the rumors, maintaining that they’re happy where they are. Casey Stoney has said she’s “very happy” with the San Diego Wave, while Australia coach Tony Gustavsson is under contract with the Matidas through the 2024 Olympics.
Twila Kilgore is set to serve as interim head coach for the team’s upcoming friendlies against South Africa on Sept. 21 and Sept. 24.