Of the 13 WNBA teams that will compete next season, seven organizations have head coaching vacancies. Some are desirable, others not. Here’s where potential recruits would like to land, and some places they might like to avoid:
1. Indiana Fever
The Fever position is by far the most sought-after open position in the WNBA. The only problem? This is probably not the case Really open. Stephanie White has separated from Connecticut and will almost certainly end up with a fever. She comes from Indiana, previously had a successful stint on staff from 2011-2014 and was the franchise’s head coach from 2015-2016 before accepting a college coaching job. It is simply an ideal place for any training candidate. They are clearly on the rise, with established young stars like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark and a veteran presence in Kelsey Mitchell. The Fever made the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016 (when White was at the helm), so victory appears to be in the cards moving forward. That and their recently renovated practice facilities make them a sought-after location for free agents.
2. The mystics of Washington
The Mystics struggled last year, going 14-26 after Natasha Cloud left in free agency and Elena Delle Donne decided to opt out. But it remains a desirable job for the right coach. When the organization fired general manager Mike Thibault and his son, coach Eric Thibault, Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger spoke of a desire to rejuvenate the franchise. He also expressed the organization’s goal to build across multiple releases. In other words, it is a reconstruction. But it’s also a team with resources and a history of commitment to women’s basketball.
3. Chicago Sky
The Sky shows promise with Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter headlining a young roster. The organization also just broke ground on a $38 million state-of-the-art training facility that can be used to attract and retain free agents. The foundations are there for this team, but there remains a major concern. Is there any margin for error? Teresa Weatherspoon had a whole new team, many of which were young players learning how to be in the league. She was fired after one season, so that’s a red flag for any potential coach. But general manager Jeff Pagliocca arrived after Weatherspoon was hired last season, so theoretically, whoever he hires will be a candidate he believes in.
4. Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks seem to be a franchise with impossible expectations. Most of the team has been injured the past two seasons, and Curt Miller is a coach with an established ability to build teams and attract free agents. So if the Sparks let him go after two years without even having a full team, what will they expect from the coach who takes over? The great thing about coaching in Los Angeles is that you coach in Los Angeles. There is no more desirable place to attract potential players. The Sparks also have Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, who have immense potential, and a chance at the first pick in the upcoming draft. These things might outweigh the worries.
5. The Atlanta Dream
The Dream has been a confusing franchise in recent seasons. They drafted Rhyne Howard in 2022, which was a step in the right direction. She is an extremely talented player that you can build on. But the Dream didn’t do that. Last season, they created a roster of guards and signed three players who were overseas and couldn’t contribute. It was just one of many confusing things general manager Dan Padover did. If I’m a coach, I’m afraid it’s a no-win situation. But on the plus side, former coach Tanisha Wright has had three seasons to try to build something, which is way more than some recently fired WNBA coaches received. Perhaps a new coach will benefit from the same grace.
6. Dallas Wings
The Wings have had eight coaches since 2010, which once again shows that no one really has the opportunity to build a system or establish a culture. Former coach Latricia Trammell took Dallas to the second round of the playoffs in 2023, the first time the team has advanced past the first round since 2015. This season, she had an injury-laden roster and, despite the success of the last year, she was fired after just two seasons. Another concern for any potential coach is the roster. Free agents Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard have both made it clear they are not looking to return.
7. The Connecticut Sun
The Sun has been lucky in recent seasons. Curt Miller managed to put together a rival team with Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, and Stephanie White maintained the same level of success. But having a WNBA team in Uncasville, Conn., isn’t easy. It’s not a desirable place to attract players, and the entire core of the team entered free agency this offseason. The facilities aren’t up to par either, and even during the playoffs, the team had to share their training ground with a child’s birthday party. This doesn’t seem like a franchise the league takes seriously.
