Four postseason entries, two grand finals, and one championship title with a record of 107-53. This is the resume of Sandy Brondello with the New York Liberty. As their most successful coach, it came as a shock to many that the Liberty front office decided to part ways with her following an early exit this season. But Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb has come forward singing a different tune from what the general notion has been.

According to the Liberty GM, the decision was based on future rebuilding rather than past achievements. Jonathan Kolb recently came forward for a press conference to clear the air on the decision, stating, “I think it’s really important that I stress and emphasize that this decision was in no way punitive, nor was it reactive. But it’s instead rooted in being proactive, and nor was this decision based solely on the results of this past season.”

This season, the New York Liberty went as the fifth seed into the postseason with a 27-17 record, a poor look as the defending champions. For context, last year, they had a 32-8 record as they took their first championship home. However, this season was marred by injuries for New York. And despite those obstacles, Kolb gives Sandy Brondello her flowers for carrying the team to the playoffs.

“I actually think Sandy did a good job navigating this group through uncharted waters, through injuries and a lack of availability. We’ve got a great level of appreciation for Sandy Brondello, the head coach, as well as Sandy Brondello, the person,” he continues. But that is where his appreciation ends. Observing how much the team had changed since the 2023 season, Kolb decided it was time to look for a new head coach. Brondello will be the third coach under Kolb to be let go.

But as a general manager, Kolb feels it was high time the New York Liberty saw a change. Although the New York front office gave thought and consideration to retaining Brondello. But ultimately, what Kolb felt Liberty needs is a breath of fresh air. As he puts it, “These decisions they’re never easy, nor should they be. But often these decisions mark the fork in the road moments for organizations. And you can stand still, or you can embrace change and move forward.”

However, Kolb refused to comment on what they are looking for in the next coach. Furthermore, the Liberty GM denied any comments on suggesting who will be a potential replacement for Sandy Brondello. However, Kolb did make a note that relying solely on past achievements would be “playing with fire.”

Many Liberty players were already in opposition to letting Brondello go. To this, the Liberty GM is keeping an open-door policy with their players. Multiple New York players will also enter free agency in the next season. So Kolb believes having an open conversation with players will be key to retaining their roster. But the discontent among players is there, despite what the Liberty GM puts out.

Sandy Brondello’s firing was a strong topic for the WNBA community

Reactions from the league over Brondello’s firing were swift and sharp. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White expressed her disappointment while remaining measured. “Just, you know, disappointed obviously for Sandy. She’s a great coach and a great human being. And of course, in our profession, you hate to see that,” White said.

In contrast, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve did not hold back, criticizing New York’s decision and highlighting the opportunity for other teams. “I think Sandy is a heck of a coach, and I think Sandy will land on her feet like she always does. I am absolutely thrilled if I am Seattle, Toronto, and Portland, that I was just gifted a championship-level coach,” Reeve stated, underscoring the potential gains for other franchises.

But the voices in her support were active since rumors of her firing began. New York player Breanna Stewart reacted with a shocked “What the f—?” signaling her disbelief at the question after the loss to the Mercury, totally caught off-guard. Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud was equally forthright, praising Brondello’s contributions. “Sandy is one of the winningest coaches in this f—- league. She just won a championship last year. I think there should be a lot more respect hung on Sandy’s head,” Cloud said.

So while the Liberty GM is preaching an open dialogue with players, these early reactions imply discontent. Whether or not the Liberty front office manages to calm players down is still up in the air.