Curt Miller and Chris Koclanes know each other well after spending years together coaching in Connecticut with the Sun.
Koclanes was introduced Thursday as coach of the Dallas Wings with Miller, who is the team’s general manager, at his side. The duo worked in Connecticut from 2016-2022 and helped the Sun reach the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022. Miller was hired as Wings General Manager last month.
“I look at it as a very positive benefit for me to step into a head coaching role for the first time and have Curt by my side,” Koclanes said. “He gave me the opportunity to push myself, to challenge myself and to be ready for this moment. I’m excited about it. …Having him there as a thought partner is fantastic. He will do everything he can to help and support me.
Miller said the team was looking for a coach who can create a positive culture with high integrity, high EQ, an excellent communicator and an experienced winner. He said his relationship with his former longtime assistant almost harmed Koclanes in his research, even though he was in all those buckets.
“At some point in the process. Greg (Bibb) took me aside and said why are you afraid to hire him? If he’s the best person, let’s go for it,” Miller said.
Koclanes is the league’s fourth-most experienced head coach, having worked in the WNBA for eight years. The Sun’s defense shined under Koclanes, consistently finishing in the top three in the WNBA in opponent scoring average, opponent turnovers committed, opponent field goals and shooting percentage. 3-point shots.
Miller said his role was to build the best team for his new coach.
“I will look after the franchise and also try to help build the roster that Chris would like to coach,” Miller said. “He’s the chef, I’d like to help him with the ingredients so he can cook with these players.”
The Wings have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft after win the lottery. They let coach Latricia Trammell go in October after going 31-49 in two seasons with the team, including 2-3 in the playoffs. Last season, the Wings went 9-31 and I missed the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2020.
“This is a pivotal time for the Dallas Wings with a new practice facility and renovated arena on the horizon,” Miller said. “No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. It’s a really exciting time.
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