In a statement released on Friday, Villanova Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Jackson announced that Head Women’s Soccer Coach Chris McLain has resigned. 

“After a lot of analysis, examination, and discussion, including conversations with Chris, we mutually agreed that it was time for a change of direction in the leadership of our women’s soccer program,” Jackson said in the statement. “We have tremendous young women in our program, and we will not shy away from the high expectations that we have for all of our athletic programs. We wish Chris and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”

McLain led the Wildcats for five seasons, after two seasons as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Ohio State. He compiled a record of 35-46-5 during his time leading the Wildcats and led the program in 2019 to its first winning season since 2009.

However, the past two seasons have been a step back. In the spring 2021 season, the Wildcats went 3-10-2, winning just two games in conference play. This season, Villanova had one of the best starts in program history, winning six of the first seven games. However, the Wildcats won just once after Sept. 13. This was their only win over their last 11 games. 

McLain’s last game coaching the team was Oct. 17 against UConn, where his team lost 1-0 in double overtime. He was not on the sidelines for the game on Oct. 24 against Butler or the team’s finale at St John’s on Thursday, as Associate Head Coach Daniel Clitnovici took over the head coaching duties. Clitnovici will serve as the program’s interim head coach while the search for a permanent head coach is conducted.

“Villanova will always hold a special place in my heart,” McLain said in a statement to Villanova Athletics. “Having the opportunity to lead such a prestigious program will always be the highlight of my coaching career. I am proud that we advanced to the Final Four of the BIG EAST Championship in our third season, something that had not been done in over a decade at Villanova. Now, after 22 years of coaching, I believe it’s time for me to take a break and focus on my three children and the rock of my life, my wife.”

The Wildcats finished the season with a record of 7-11 and tied for last in the Big East with a 1-9 record.