With a statement from their General Manager, Curt Miller, the Dallas Wings have confirmed one of the biggest open secrets in the WNBA. Head Coach Chris Koclanes has been relieved of his duties after a dismal 10-34 season. But it wasn’t just the record that was bad; it was much more about the team’s performances.

Why Did the Dallas Wings Fire Chris Koclanes?

Even before the season had ended, fans were already calling for Chris Koclanes to be fired. It wasn’t just about the poor performances. There were plenty of instances where it had become quite clear that he had lost the locker room. His play-calling and inability to build a good defensive unit were also a big factor in Dallas’ decision to sack him. In a statement released with his firing, Curt Miller said, “As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization”. 

A change in coaching will also be crucial for Paige Bueckers. Sure, her rookie season was full of broken records and electric performances. But these performances did not translate to wins. With the talent she has, Paige Bueckers needs a good coach to channel all that to a whole other level. With a more experienced and strong-willed coach, there is a good chance of the Wings finding the magic formula that unlocks wins for them.

Who Are the Top Contenders to Replace Chris Koclanes as Wings Head Coach?

With Koclanes’ departure confirmed, the Dallas Wings’ next crucial task is finding a new head coach. According to recent reports, three candidates stand out as the most likely replacements: Sandy Brondello, Noelle Quinn, and Curt Miller. Let’s examine each contender’s case for becoming Paige Bueckers’ next coach.

Sandy Brondello

After the New York Liberty were shockingly eliminated in the first round of the 2025 WNBA playoffs, the Liberty made the surprising decision to part ways with Sandy Brondello. But their loss can be the Dallas Wings’ gain. Sandy Brondello is one of the most respected and experienced coaches in the WNBA. Brondello is one of the most respected and experienced coaches in the WNBA, boasting over a decade of experience as a head coach in the league.

She went 107-53 in her four seasons with the Liberty. Before joining the Liberty, Brondello was with the Phoenix Mercury for eight seasons, where she led the franchise to playoff appearances in each of those seasons.

Plus, she is a two-time WNBA Champion (2014 with Phoenix Mercury and 2024 with New York Liberty). Not only that, she was also named the Coach of the Year in 2014. She is also known for being able to handle players with big personalities, such as Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu.

She is also very supportive of her players, and that seems to go the other way around as well. Before her firing, she had received public support from Breanna Stewart, demonstrating the high regard in which the players held her coaching.

Noelle Quinn

The Seattle Storm made a notable coaching change by firing Noelle Quinn, who had been part of the organization since 2019. After serving as an assistant, she was promoted to associate head coach in 2020 before taking over as head coach in 2021. During her five seasons leading the Storm, Quinn compiled a 97-89 record and guided the team to the playoffs on four occasions.

In the 2025 season, Noelle Quinn guided the Seattle Storm to a 23–21 record, though the team fell to the eventual finalists, the Las Vegas Aces, 2–1 in the first round of the playoffs. As a relatively fresh coaching option, Quinn could bring her WNBA experience and strategic know-how to the Dallas Wings as their next head coach.

Curt Miller

Curt Miller is currently the Dallas Wings’ executive vice president and general manager. He joined the organization less than a year ago, following a two-year stint as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks. Before that, Miller spent seven seasons with the Connecticut Sun, holding roles as both general manager and head coach.

Over his career, Miller has earned significant accolades, including being named WNBA Executive of the Year in 2017 and Coach of the Year twice, in 2017 and 2021. Across nine seasons as a head coach (2016–2024), he had compiled a 165–141 record.

Could Paige Bueckers Have an Influence on the Wings’ Next Coach?

In normal circumstances, a player in their sophomore year should have no say in an organization’s coaching decisions. However, on the other end of the spectrum is a player like Paige Bueckers. You get what we mean. Especially in this new era of player empowerment, it is vital that the front office also consults Paige Bueckers before making any decision.

What’s Next for the Dallas Wings?

With their season wrapped up, the Dallas Wings now need to focus on making the best possible choice for their next head coach. They’ll also be keeping a close eye on the draft lottery, hoping to land the first overall pick once again. After that, it’s all about scouting and finding a player who fits perfectly alongside Paige Bueckers. If they make these decisions thoughtfully, there’s every reason to believe the Wings could be making a serious playoff run sooner rather than later.