Breaking Insights on WNBA Coaching Carousel: Latest Updates on Liberty, Storm, and More Jobs – The Athletic
The WNBA coaching carousel has brought significant changes as teams look to adapt to the league’s growing popularity. With rising attendance and viewership, the demand for coaching talent has intensified, leading to a surge in head coaching vacancies.
Recent Coaching Changes
In the past year, eight coaching positions opened, including one for the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. Of the vacancies filled, seven were taken by first-time WNBA head coaches. However, this year, the emphasis has shifted towards hiring candidates with previous head coaching experience.
- The New York Liberty parted ways with Sandy Brondello.
- The Dallas Wings moved on from Chris Koclanes.
- The Seattle Storm let go of Noelle Quinn.
Current Searches and Candidates
Teams are actively searching for new coaches, focusing on building relationships and leveraging past connections. Here’s a closer look at what we know regarding ongoing searches:
New York Liberty
Following Brondello’s departure, Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized the need for “evolution and innovation.” The organization aims to make a significant hiring decision without engaging search firms.
Potential candidates include:
- Kristi Toliver, Phoenix Mercury assistant coach
- Lindsey Harding, Los Angeles Lakers assistant
- Will Weaver, former Brooklyn Nets assistant
- Sonia Raman, current Liberty assistant
- Joseph Blair, head coach of the Houston Rockets’ G League affiliate
Dallas Wings
Despite only winning ten games in the last season, the Wings are viewed as a prime coaching destination due to rookie sensation Paige Bueckers and upcoming draft opportunities, including the possibility of acquiring the No. 1 overall draft pick.
Candidates under consideration include:
- Dave Joerger, former Sacramento Kings head coach
- Coby Karl, former G League head coach
- Nicki Collen, Baylor head coach
- Jose Fernandez, South Florida head coach
- Sandy Brondello, as a potential return candidate
Toronto Tempo
The Tempo recently appointed Monica Wright Rogers as general manager but has yet to finalize a head coach. They are reportedly focused on Brondello, pending her availability.
Other candidates include:
- James Wade, former Chicago Sky coach
- Tanisha Wright, former Atlanta Dream coach
- Eric Thibault, Washington Mystics coach
- Latricia Trammell, Dallas Wings coach
- Jenny Boucek, Indiana Pacers assistant
Seattle Storm
The Storm’s search for a head coach falls under the leadership of general manager Talisa Rhea. They have shown interest in candidates such as:
- Briann January, Indiana Fever assistant and former WNBA player
- Sonia Raman, current Liberty assistant
The evolving landscape of the WNBA coaching roles indicates a competitive environment as teams seek experienced leadership to navigate the heightened expectations and pressures of the league.
