The WNBA’s 2024 season may have ended, but the offseason drama has just begun. Seven WNBA teams—yes, over half the league—are back on the hunt for fresh coaching blood. The message is loud and clear: coaching in the WNBA isn’t just about sideline pep talks; it’s about producing immediate, championship-worthy results. If you can’t do it on the court, you’d better hope your PowerPoint game can win over prospective players.
High Stakes and Higher Salaries
Take Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury, for example. He’s the WNBA’s top-paid coach, the poster child for the “win big or go home” mantra. Meanwhile, every other team with a subpar record is clearing house ahead of December’s expansion draft. And why not? With franchise valuations and player salaries soaring, it’s now about more than passion and playbooks—it’s about profits and playoffs.
A string of shake-ups is expected, especially with the looming CBA opt-out where players want, let’s say, “enhanced financial appreciation.” Translation: Coaches who can’t keep up may need to update their LinkedIn profiles.
Case Study: Indiana Fever – Searching for the Goldilocks Coach
Let’s talk about the Indiana Fever. They managed a respectable .500 season—hey, progress!—and even tasted a bit of playoff action for the first time since 2016. Yet, they still showed head coach Christie Sides the door. While it might seem a bit harsh, it’s not hard to guess what’s going on behind the scenes. With top talents like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston on the roster, Indiana isn’t interested in “good enough”—they want to see champagne showers.
After all, a roster brimming with potential like Boston and Clark deserves someone who’s ready to tackle the spotlight. Sides occasionally seemed uncomfortable with the pressure, so it’s no shock that the Fever management wants a coach who won’t flinch under the glare of ESPN cameras.
Building a Championship Team: Follow the Liberty’s Blueprint
The WNBA’s new golden rule for franchises? Build around the best talent, stack the bench, and keep veteran support on standby. Just look at the Las Vegas Aces. They’ve drafted a trio of No. 1 picks—Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young—to lead them to back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. But unlike the Aces, who rely on top-tier draft picks, the New York Liberty’s winning strategy involved aggressive free-agent recruitment and a head coach swap.
When the Liberty snatched up Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, and Jonquel Jones, they assembled a “super team” that took them to the championship. And they did it all under Sandy Brondello, a Finals-proven coach. Forget Cinderella stories—the WNBA has entered the era of build-a-dynasty.
Coaching: A Balancing Act on Thin Ice
Of course, not every coach is a sure thing. Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx returned her squad to the WNBA Finals and almost nabbed the franchise’s fifth title, but the road wasn’t exactly paved with gold. Being a celebrated coach on paper doesn’t mean every game is smooth sailing, and Reeve knows that firsthand.
The message is clear: elite talent needs elite coaching. Yes, teams want superstar players, but those stars need a tactical mastermind with some finesse. Cheryl Reeve proved this, but even she wasn’t safe from scrutiny when her all-star Olympic roster got shaky. The WNBA’s verdict? Good coaching isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a necessity.
Hammon’s Path: From Spurs Apprentice to Aces’ Head Honcho
Becky Hammon’s career trajectory might just be the WNBA’s unofficial “How to Make a Champion Coach” playbook. Before joining the Aces, Hammon spent years with Gregg Popovich on the San Antonio Spurs’ bench, where she picked up invaluable experience. By the time the Aces handed her the reins, Hammon was more than ready. In two seasons, she claimed two titles, thanks to her solid mix of NBA and WNBA expertise.
Hammon’s success raises an important question: Will the WNBA make investments to create a coaching pipeline for former players? Sure, they’ve added assistant roles for ex-players, but will that be enough as coaching standards soar?
The coaching shuffle we’re witnessing is just the start. As WNBA stakes climb, the days of single-coach loyalty are gone. Today’s league demands winners, and every team wants to lock in a coaching dream team that can deliver a title—or at least make the path to one look exciting enough to sell tickets.
The WNBA Coaching Hustle Continues
For coaches across the WNBA, the stakes have never been higher. Winning isn’t just a box to check off; it’s the ticket to a long-term contract. It’s a league where a ring (or two) on your resume might be the only thing between you and the unemployment line. As the WNBA continues to grow, coaches will need to bring it all—strategy, charisma, and a knack for building unstoppable teams. And if they can’t deliver? Well, there’s always a desk job somewhere waiting.