Campbell Resident Mark Watson Takes Straightforward Approach With Earthquakes

Written by Brian De Los Santos

When the San Jose Earthquakes find themselves falling behind in the standings, interim head coach Mark Watson likes to keep things simple.

To motivate his team, he shows them the math.

“The first thing I do is give them the standings,” Watson said. “It’s just simple math. We have a good group of players, but regardless of who’s there, we have to apply ourselves to the task and there’s not much more you can say.”

That’s the approach Watson, a Campbell resident, has drilled into the members of his team since he took over as interim head coach on June 7. And as they sit in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 7-9-6 overall record, he plans on motivating the team down the stretch in the simple way that’s become his coaching style. 

Simply put, Watson is a straightforward kind of guy.

“I think the straightforward approach is best,” Watson said. “I’m not someone who screams every day. I try to bring energy to my position, but I think the moments when you need to raise your voice are far few between.”

The past few months and transition has become a whirlwind for Watson. After taking over the team when former coach Frank Yallop and the Earthquakes mutually agreed to part ways, Watson’s been thrown into a busy shuffle of traveling, scouting and coaching.

“There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than people think. I know that’s not a crazy phrase,” Watson said. “It takes a lot of time. It’s a busy job even though you wouldn’t think that a sports coach would necessarily have a busy work life.”

That being said, Watson has found his routine — being that he’s been in the position for nearly two months. After all, he’s been around the game of soccer for most of his life. And the best thing about coaching, he said, is being able to stay on the field.

“I think the most enjoyable part is just being with the players and being at practice,” Watson said. “Those are the things that you really want to be involved in. Just working with the guys and being in the field, that’s the best part of it.” 

But being on the field has come with some hardship. With players out because of injuries and national team duties, the team has struggled to make a push for the top half of the conference standings, Watson said.

“I think in the last couple months, the guys have really responded and picked up some points. Once we get everyone back, we have a great chance to make a big run for the playoffs,” Watson said. “We’re a few points out. We have a few teams to catch, but I think everyone believes that we can do it.” 

Off the field, Watson has made the transition to living in Silicon Valley. When he was searching for places to reside, he chose Campbell for its small-town feel and its proximity to the rest of California’s popular spots, he said.

“When I first came here, I didn’t really know the area. So we drove around a little bit, and just walking down downtown Campbell, it just had such a good feel to it,” Watson said. “My wife and I decided that that’s where we want to live.”

Still, it’s taken some time for his stature to soak into the community. He says a few people in Campbell recognize him, but joked that his reputation hasn’t carried like other sports coaches.

“We’re still not where football, baseball and basketball are,” Watson laughed. “But there’s a few people that recognize you, and they’re very nice and friendly.”