The Seattle Storm have officially announced that head coach Noelle Quinn will not return for the 2026 season, marking the end of her five-year tenure with the franchise. This decision follows a disappointing playoff run that saw the Storm exit in the first round for the second consecutive year.
Coaching Changes After Playoff Struggles
Quinn, who took over as head coach in 2020, compiled a record of 97 wins and 89 losses during her time at the helm. Despite the team's successes in reaching the playoffs in each of her five seasons, they were unable to advance beyond the second round. Notably, the Storm lost 2-1 in their recent playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces, which led to the decision not to renew her contract.
General Manager Talisa Rhea expressed appreciation for Quinn's contributions in a statement, highlighting her role in developing the team and fostering relationships with players. However, the Storm's inability to capitalize on their talented roster ultimately contributed to the decision for a coaching change.
Rising Stars and Future Prospects
As the Storm look toward the future, they will aim to build upon their foundation of talented players. The team has consistently been a competitive force in the WNBA, thanks in part to the contributions of All-Stars and emerging talents. The next steps for the organization will likely involve finding a replacement who can effectively utilize this talent and lead the Storm back to playoff prominence.
The search for a new head coach will be crucial as the Storm prepare for the upcoming season, with the goal of building a more robust playoff contender. As the franchise navigates this transition, fans will be eager to see how the new leadership shapes the team's direction.
TL;DR
- The Seattle Storm have parted ways with head coach Noelle Quinn after five seasons.
- Quinn's tenure included a record of 97 wins and 89 losses, but no playoff advancement past the second round.
- The decision comes after the Storm's recent first-round exit against the Las Vegas Aces.
- The franchise will now focus on finding a new head coach to lead the team into the future.