In a swift move signaling a commitment to future success, the Dallas Wings announced the firing of head coach Chris Koclanes after just one tumultuous season. The decision comes on the heels of a dismal 10-34 record, which left the Wings tied for the worst record in the WNBA alongside the Chicago Sky. Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller emphasized the need for a change in leadership as the organization looks to build around the promising talent of rookie sensation Paige Bueckers.
Despite the high hopes surrounding Bueckers, who captured the 2025 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year award, the Wings struggled throughout the season. The team relied on a league-high roster turnover, featuring 21 players, as they attempted to find the right combinations on the court. Koclanes, who previously served as an assistant coach under Miller with the Los Angeles Sparks, faced mounting pressure as the Wings failed to realize their potential.
Bueckers, selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, was a bright spot for the Wings, consistently showcasing her skills and earning acclaim from basketball greats like Diana Taurasi, who described her as "the best player on the court 99.99% of the time." However, the team's overall performance did not reflect Bueckers' individual accolades, leading to questions about the coaching direction.
As the Wings embark on a national search for Koclanes' successor, the franchise is at a pivotal juncture. The hope remains that a new coach will harness Bueckers' talent and the potential of other emerging players to revitalize a franchise that has seen its share of coaching changes in recent years. The upcoming WNBA draft will also play a crucial role in reshaping the team's fortunes, with speculation about the Wings' intentions regarding top prospects like Azzi Fudd, Bueckers' former teammate at UConn.
With the offseason underway, all eyes will be on Dallas as they aim to turn the page and build a more competitive squad for the upcoming season. As the Wings look to the future, the pressure will be on to emerge from the shadows of a challenging past and establish themselves as a formidable force in the WNBA.