USWNT coach Jill Ellis on ending tenure after back-to-back World Cup triumphs: 'The timing is right'

Jill Ellis, the coach of the U.S. Women's National soccer team, is stepping down, U.S. Soccer announced Tuesday.

Ellis led the team to two consecutive Women's World Cup championships since taking the post in 2014, and will remain with the team as they complete their current World Cup victory tour, which ends in October.

Ellis' contract was set to expire July 31, and she hadn't commented on her future, leading to speculation of her departure, though many expected her to coach the USWNT at least through the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. "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."

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As for her successor, that remains to be seen. But Ellis said she has spoken with United States Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro about the matter, adding that she would be thrilled if the federation hires a woman.

Ellis' tenure with the U.S. side wasn't always easy, but, above all else, she will undoubtedly be remembered for delivering on the biggest stage — twice.

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Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.