
The Washington Mystics have announced the departure of coach Eric Thibault and general manager Mike Thibault, marking a significant change for the franchise. Eric Thibault, who succeeded his father after the 2022 season, becomes the fifth WNBA coach to be released this offseason, following similar moves by teams in Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Prior to his role as head coach, Eric Thibault served as an assistant coach for the Mystics for a decade, including four years as associate head coach.
The decision to part ways with the Thibaults comes after the Mystics concluded the season with a 14-26 record, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. The team faced challenges early on, starting the year with 12 consecutive losses and grappling with injuries to key players such as Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes. Additionally, the Mystics underwent significant roster changes during the offseason, with star players like Elena Delle Donne opting out and Natasha Cloud departing for Phoenix.