End of an Era: Ellis to quit Team USA job

Jill Ellis, who recently became the first coach to win two FIFA Women’s World Cups™, has announced she will relinquish the United States of America (USA) reins in early October following their France 2019 victory tour.

“The opportunity to coach this team and work with these amazing women has been the honour of a lifetime,” Ellis said. “I want to thank and praise them for their commitment and passion to not only win championships, but also raise the profile of this sport globally while being an inspiration to those who will follow them.

“I want to sincerely thank the world-class coaches and staff with whom I’ve had the privilege to work – they are quintessential professionals and even better people. And finally, I want to thank [US Soccer] for their support and investment in this program, as well as all the former players, coaches, and colleagues that have played an important role in this journey.”

Ellis was appointed USA coach in May 2014, and guided them to a 5-2 defeat of Japan in a thrilling Canada 2015 Final. At France 2019, her USWNT won all seven matches, sinking five European sides – Sweden, Spain, France, England and the Netherlands – on European soil to successfully defend their crown.

“When I accepted the head coaching position this was the timeframe I envisioned,” Ellis said. “The timing is right to move on and the program is positioned to remain at the pinnacle of women’s soccer. Change is something I have always embraced in my life and for me and my family this is the right moment.”

Ellis will continue to work for US Soccer, at least for another year, as an ambassador.

“The US Soccer Federation and the sport in general owes Jill a debt of gratitude,” said US Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro. “Jill was always extremely passionate about this team, analytical, tremendously focused, and not afraid to make tough decisions while giving her players the freedom to play to their strengths.

“She helped raise the bar for women’s soccer in the USA and the world, and given the history of this program, the level of success she achieved is even more remarkable.”