July 31 – Jill Ellis is to step down as head coach of the US women’s football team after leading the country to back-to-back World Cup titles.
Ellis, who was born in the UK but moved to the US as a teenager, was appointed in 2014 and led the team to their first World Cup victory in 16 years in 2015. They retained their crown last month in France.
“The timing is right to move on,” Ellis said in a statement. “When I accepted the head coaching position, this was the timeframe I envisioned.
“The programme 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’ time in charge will officially end in October having reportedly declined an option which would have kept her at the helm for next summer’s Olympics.
US soccer president Carlos Cordeiro paid tribute to her work.
“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,” he said.
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