3 possible choices to follow Lorne Donaldson as Chicago Stars manager | OneFootball

After a poor start to the 2025 NWSL season, the Chicago Stars have found themselves at the bottom of the table and without a head coach.

Lorne Davidson was relieved from his duties before the start of match week seven. Donaldson had only been with the club since the start of the 2024 season. Assistant coach Masaki Hemmi will step into the role as interim coach, but who could be on the shortlist to be Donaldson's permanent successor?

Masaki Hemmi

Assistant turned interim head coach Masaki Hemmi would be the easiest option. He's been on the staff since the start of 2024, and before that an assistant and then interim head coach at New Mexico United of the USL Championship.

Hemmi knows the players and the culture of the club. The next several weeks could be a potential audition for the full-time role as well. It only gets harder for the Stars though, as they take on Gotham in match week seven.

Amy Rodriguez

Kansas City Current v Utah Royals FC | Chris Gardner/GettyImages

Amy Rodriguez is a former player and has coaching experience already. Her last stint at coaching didn't go quite as planned, as the Utah Royals fired her after a poor start. However, Rodriguez is available and could be the right fit in Chicago.

Rodriguez had an extensive playing career, for both club and country. She was a key player for the U.S. Women's National Team and the clubs she played for, which included Utah, North Carolina, and FC Kansas City.

Rodriguez's background as an attacker could help Chicago's struggles up front. She can make an impact on players like Ludmila and Jameese Joseph, who both have been the Stars' better attackers this season.

Yolanda Thomas

Yolanda Thomas is an assistant coach with the Orlando Pride, but she could bring the missing element to Chicago. Thomas has enjoyed success with the Pride, but it could be time for her to take the reigns herself after helping her team win the domestic double last year.

Thomas brings experience in the NWSL as an assistant coach. She also has head coaching experience in the NCAA for Roger State University and was an NCAA assistant at the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University. She's also worked with various youth national teams.

Thomas offers something new to the league after being an assistant for years. She can bring a new perspective and give some solutions to such a poor Chicago side.