In a significant shake-up, the Dallas Wings have announced the firing of head coach Chris Koclanes, just one season into his tenure. The decision comes on the heels of a challenging year in which the team finished with a dismal 10-34 record, tying for the worst in the WNBA alongside the Chicago Sky. This marks yet another coaching change for the Wings, who have struggled to find stability in recent years.
Koclanes, who was brought in with high hopes after serving as an assistant under Curt Miller with the Los Angeles Sparks, faced a tough season that saw the team cycle through an unprecedented 21 players. Despite the tumult, the Wings entered the season with optimism, buoyed by the selection of Paige Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Bueckers, who went on to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, showcased her immense talent throughout the season, but her individual success was not enough to lift the team to competitiveness.
General Manager Curt Miller expressed the need for change, stating, "As we enter a pivotal point in our team's future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization." The Wings will now embark on a search for a new head coach, looking for someone who can harness Bueckers' potential and create a winning culture.
The season's end also prompted Bueckers to celebrate her accomplishments with a girls trip to Turks & Caicos, highlighting the dual nature of her rookie year—marked by personal achievement but overshadowed by team struggles. As the Wings prepare for the next chapter, the focus will be on rebuilding and finding the right leadership to guide them back to playoff contention.