UNCASVILLE, CT – SEPTEMBER 05: Los Angeles Sparks assistant coach Chris Koclanes reacts during a WNBA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun on September 5, 2023, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/IC
THE Dallas Wings has hired Chris Koclanes as the franchise’s new head coach, the team announced Monday.
Koclanes has more than a decade of experience as an assistant coach in WNBA and Division I women’s basketball.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Koclanes as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings,” said Curt Miller, executive vice president and general manager. “Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check off the boxes of our important pillars. He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration and a positive and consistent communication style with all those who wish it.
Koclanes worked with Miller in Connecticut on its staff from 2016-22 and helped the Sun reach the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022. Miller was hired as the Wings’ general manager last month.
The Connecticut 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 percentages 3-point shots.
“Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an exceptional basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward-thinking and innovative mind for the game,” Miller said. “He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.”
Koclanes, who is currently in his second season as an assistant at USC, will be formally introduced at a press conference on January 9.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings,” Koclanes said. “I want to thank Chairman Bill Cameron, CEO and Managing Partner Greg Bibb and Managing Director Curt Miller for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility.”
The Wings have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft after winning 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 missed the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2020.
There is still one head coaching spot remaining in the WNBA, which had seven coaches fired after the end of the season, as Washington has yet to name a replacement.
