The Dallas Wings have fired head coach Chris Koclanes, the crew introduced on Tuesday afternoon. Koclanes, a first-year head coach, led the Wings to a league-worst 10-34 report in his first 12 months.
Wings government vp and common supervisor Curt Miller put out a press release thanking Koclanes for his efforts.
“On behalf of the Dallas Wings, I need to thank Chris for his many and rapid contributions to the group this previous season,” stated Miller. “With new crew amenities being constructed, a youthful roster below contract, and the rights to a few first-round draft choices over the following two seasons, together with a lottery choose in 2026, the Wings are well-positioned for future success. As we enter a pivotal level in our crew’s future, we felt a change in management at the moment was greatest for our group. The Dallas Wings stay devoted to their pursuit of WNBA Championships and constructing upon the sturdy tradition established on and off the court docket.”
Earlier than his position because the Wings head coach, Koclanes was an assistant on the College of Southern California. Earlier than that, he was an assistant coach for Curt Miller within the WNBA for 8 years, each for the Connecticut Solar (2016-2022) and the Los Angeles Sparks (2023).
Followers criticized and campaigned in opposition to Koclanes all season lengthy, with “We Need Nola” chants erupting from the bleachers on a number of events (a reference to Wings assistant coach Nola Henry, who some followers wished to see lead the crew). However gamers nonetheless spoke in assist of Koclanes all through the season.
Whereas Paige Bueckers had a powerful rookie season — averaging 19.2 factors and 5.4 assists — others on the roster struggled below Koclanes’ management, together with four-time WNBA All-Star Arike Ogunbowale. Ogunbowale averaged 15.5 factors on 36.4% capturing, each profession lows.
With the transfer, the Wings turn into the newest WNBA crew to half methods with their head coach this offseason; already, the Seattle Storm have parted methods with Noelle Quinn, and the New York Liberty with Sandy Brondello. Moreover, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Hearth are searching for their inaugural head coach.
