The Dallas Wings have appointed Chris Koclanes as their new head coach, as announced by the team on Monday. Koclanes brings over a decade of experience as an assistant coach in the WNBA and Division I women's basketball to his new role.
Executive vice president and general manager Curt Miller expressed excitement about Koclanes' appointment, highlighting his leadership qualities and coaching philosophy. Koclanes previously worked with Miller in Connecticut, where they achieved success with the Sun reaching the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022.
Known for his defensive expertise, Koclanes played a key role in the Connecticut Sun's strong defensive performances, consistently ranking among the top three in various defensive categories in the WNBA.
Miller praised Koclanes' basketball acumen, commitment to player development, and work ethic, emphasizing his innovative approach to the game. Koclanes, currently serving as an assistant at USC, will be officially introduced as the head coach of the Dallas Wings at a press conference on Jan. 9.
In his statement, Koclanes expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings and thanked the team's leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility. The Wings hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft after securing the top spot in the lottery.
The coaching change comes after the Wings parted ways with former head coach Latricia Trammell, who led the team to a 9-31 record this past season and missed the playoffs. With one head coaching position still vacant in the WNBA, the league saw seven coaches dismissed at the end of the season, with the Washington Mystics yet to announce a replacement.
For more WNBA news, visit AP WNBA.
