WNBA franchises have parted ways with their coaches at unprecedented level this offseason. The Ringer’s Mirin Fader compares the league’s latest trend to the NBA.
The WNBA coaching carousel is spinning like never before.
Following a 2024 season filled with historic firsts, more than half the league's teams moved on from their head coach.
While all four non-playoff teams parted with their head coaches, other contenders and rising teams also decided to make a change. Notably, the Indiana Fever fired Christie Sides after Caitlin Clark's rookie season and the Connecticut Sun split with Stephanie White after a semifinal exit.
Which WNBA teams have head coaching openings? Let's break it down.
Which WNBA teams have head coaching vacancies?
There were a record-breaking seven WNBA head coaching vacancies this offseason, and three franchises are still searching for their next head coach.
Here's a look at the organizations with vacancies and their former head coaches:
- Connecticut Sun: Stephanie White
- Dallas Wings: Latricia Trammell
- Washington Mystics: Eric Thibault
Which WNBA teams have hired a head coach this offseason?
The Fever were the first team to fill their head coaching vacancy, bringing White back to a franchise where she has already spent time as a player and coach.
The Chicago Sky followed suit, hiring Aces assistant Tyler Marsh to replace Teresa Weatherspoon.
The Atlanta Dream were the third team in this cycle to hire a head coach, bringing in longtime Florida Gulf Coast coach Karl Smesko to replace Tanisha Wright.
The Los Angeles Sparks were next on the list, as they brought in Lynne Roberts from the University of Utah to take the place of Curt Miller.
Which WNBA teams kept their head coach?
Only five head coaches kept their job following the 2024 season. One other coach will join the group, as well, after being hired for the WNBA's newest expansion team in the Bay Area.
- Golden State Valkyries: Natalie Nakase
- Las Vegas Aces: Becky Hammon
- Minnesota Lynx: Cheryl Reeve
- New York Liberty: Sandy Brondello
- Phoenix Mercury: Nate Tibbetts
- Seattle Storm: Noelle Quinn
