The Dallas Wings needed a full revamp. In their only season under Chris Koclanes, they had little to celebrate apart from Paige Bueckers’ All Star level season. They finished with a 10-34 record just two years after reaching the semifinals. A fall from grace means they are rebuilding around Bueckers and the new coach Jose Fernandez. In this process, the Wings have finally announced their refreshed  support staff for the upcoming season. 

Jose Fernandez has a clear vision for this team. To leverage youth and play basketball at the highest intensity. He has a tough path ahead to put together a squad with the biggest free agency in WNBA history. There is the expansion draft as well where Fernandez will lose some of his options. Ahead of this uncertainty and to follow through with the vision, he has put together a staff with a mix of WNBA and college experience. 

“Putting a staff together is every bit as important as building a roster, and this group brings exactly what I was looking for,” Fernandez said. “With unique experience across the NBA, WNBA, and the college game, their work ethic, energy, and ability to communicate will make the Wings organization proud. Their talent, dedication to detail, and commitment to building meaningful relationships were central to my vision for this staff.”

Fernandez has named Camille Smith, David Adkins, Mike Neighbors and Empress Davenport as assistant coaches.  Camille Smith is a returning member of this support staff, being with the team last season as well as a player development coach in 2020. She is a WNBA legend with a title with the Seattle Storm and 1802 career rebounds. 

“Her passion for the Wings, her championship experience, and her understanding of what it takes to succeed in this league made it clear we were aligned,” Fernandez said of Smith. “I believe she has an exceptionally bright future in coaching in this league.”

The staff also has NBA experience, with David Adkins serving as a Director of Player Development for the Denver Nuggets and their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. He has also spent time in the front offices of the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers and Ontario Clippers. 

On the other hand, Mike Neighbors adds WNBA familiarity after his 2025 stint with the Los Angeles Sparks. He has also served as the head coach for Arkansas. According to Fernandez, his ‘analytics expertise’ and knowledge of WNBA logistics played a part in his arrival. LaMont Russell as Director of Player Development, Justin Keller as Assistant Player Development Coach and Strategist, and Anthony Brammer as Video Coordinator round out the staff. This staff selection suggests that Fernandez wants to cover all bases and build a modernized style. 

This announcement likely came in late because most of their hires are from college basketball. With the title game scheduled on April 4th, their season is just about getting to its end. With the camps starting on April 17th, the draft will be held on April 13th. The Wings have the top pick and they are celebrating it with a special celebration. 

Jose Fernandez And Co. To Host WNBA Draft Party While They Juggle Draft Choice

Jose Fernandez has been clear that the choice on their No. 1 pick is almost made. “There has been separation by some folks,” he said. However, there is that free agency still left and their pick could change depending upon the players they get. Currently, it is boiling down to Awa Fame and Azzi Fudd. Fudd is the best guard prospect in this class and can pair beautifully with Paige Bueckers considering their UConn past. 

Fam can be the center they need to provide a target for Bueckers in the paint and make them a double threat.  Either way, the Wings will have a second talented youngster and it is a moment to celebrate. The Wings have announced a ‘WNBA Draft Party’ before the actual event for their fans. 

“Over the course of the evening, attendees of the Draft Party will receive a behind-the-scenes perspective on the team’s Draft Night operations, including a private message from General Manager Curt Miller and a live chalk talk session led by Ron Thulin, the play-by-play voice of the Wings,” the release said. 

The attendees will get a live sit-down from a Wings player and early access to the franchise’s 2026 merchandise line. The first 300 fans will get complimentary food too. Fans can RSVP via an EventBrite link, which will be live on Monday, March 30 on the Dallas Wings website.