“When it comes to a current assistant’s readiness to assume the role of head coach in the WNBA, Toliver is near if not at the top of the list,” wrote Andscape reporter Sean Hurd in late September 2025. When the 38-year-old retired from the WNBA as a player in 2023, it was felt as if basketball was in her rearview mirror. Today, Kristi Toliver stands tall as the associate head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, the same team that reached all the way to the WNBA Finals this year. However, after working under other coaches, is Toliver ready to lead her own WNBA team? Alyssa Thomas seems to think so.

During the post-game press conference after the Phoenix Mercury’s Finals loss, the team’s power forward was asked about her thoughts on Kristi Toliver taking over as head coach after Nate Tibbetts got ejected. Furthermore, the reporter also wanted to know how Thomas considers Toliver as a head coaching candidate for WNBA teams. Thomas replied that she was proud of the associate head coach getting through her personal issues bravely this year. After that, she added, “She’s a phenomenal coach. She definitely deserves her chance at being a head coach. Somebody that’s played and really knows the game. She’s ready for this moment.” Kahleah Copper, who was sitting right beside her, said, “I love KT.”

Having lost 3 consecutive games at the hands of the Las Vegas Aces, there were only so many more things that could have gone wrong for the Phoenix Mercury. However, as 2:41 minutes were left in the 3rd quarter of the elimination game, Nate Tibbetts was hit with a double tech after getting into an official’s face. It was a penalty he seemingly didn’t realize he received the moment it happened.

After that, Kristi Toliver took over for the remainder of the game. Even though the Las Vegas Aces were up 68-54, the incident reportedly motivated the Mercury to get fired up and start gaining some momentum. Under Toliver’s guidance, the Phoenix Mercury cut the deficit to 6 points in the 4th quarter. Even though that valiant comeback fell short, it still showed what Toliver is capable of when given the ultimate coaching responsibility.

If Kristi Toliver becomes a head coach, then she would be part of an elite list of head coaches, like Becky Hammon, who also boasts experience in the WNBA as a player. Not just any small amount of experience, but one spanning 12 years. Over the course of the same time, Toliver won a national championship at Maryland, WNBA titles in Los Angeles and Washington, and spent some time playing for overseas teams.

Maryland Coach Brenda Frese once praised Toliver for always having a high basketball IQ and a unique way of seeing the game. Frese also complimented her personality, thanks to which she can easily connect with players.

“She’s very empowering,” said Satou Sabally once. “And that is something not everyone has. And I think that is truly her biggest attribute. That comes from inside. I don’t even think you can learn that to a certain extent.”

In light of all this, it is only a matter of time before this former player gets a head coaching position. As it turns out, she might be able to make good use of an open opportunity.

Can Kristi Toliver become the next head coach for the New York Liberty?

Shortly after the New York Liberty were eliminated this year, it was announced that head coach Sandy Brondello was out. The move came as a shock to some, since, under her guidance, teams had never missed the playoffs in 13 WNBA seasons. Additionally, it was only last year when she led the Liberty to the WNBA championship. Therefore, whoever is set to replace her has some big shoes to fill.

When looking for a replacement for someone like Sandy Brondello, the hiring committee would look at experience. Toliver doesn’t have the head coaching experience one would expect to see in a hire like this. However, what she has is four years of work on NBA benches, having served as an assistant with the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks. This would align with Liberty GM Jonathan Klob and the team’s reported demand that the candidate should have NBA experience.

As a player, she helped resurrect a Mercury team that was 9-31 in 2023 before her arrival. Having made consecutive trips to the playoffs, she holds an abundance of postseason experience. She was the first active WNBA player to coach in the NBA and served as an assistant for the Washington Wizards (2018-20) and Dallas Mavericks (2021-23).

“She’s ready,” said Nate Tibbetts in late September 2025. “I think she had opportunities last year, and most teams didn’t make the right decision, in my opinion. I think the beauty of where (Toliver) is is she’s taking pride in being a great assistant, and when the time comes, it comes. She’s got a great basketball mind. She’s got the ultimate respect of the players in this league, which is so important, and her time will come; she just needs one team to give her a chance.”

Do you think Kristi Toliver should be the next New York Liberty head coach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.