News of the Phoenix Mercury hiring a new head coach has left WNBA fans stunned and with many burning questions.
Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, has been making some strategic moves. Per Kevin Reagan of 12 News, the Mercury announced plans earlier this month to build a $100M campus with a new practice facility to be jointly shared with the Suns.
Now, Ishbia’s latest decision has sent shockwaves through WNBA circles. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Orlando Magic assistant Nate Tibbetts is finalizing a deal to become the Mercury’s new head coach.
Tibbets, who has spent the last 13 seasons in the NBA, is in line to become the highest-paid coach in WNBA history.
ESPN Sources: Orlando Magic assistant Nate Tibbetts is finalizing a deal to become the new head coach of the Phoenix Mercury. Tibbetts — who’s also been an assistant with Portland and Cleveland — will become the highest paid coach in WNBA history. pic.twitter.com/4GTw8zsTvW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 16, 2023
However, without experience coaching women’s basketball at collegiate or professional levels, Tibbetts’ new job puzzled WNBA fans.
So Becky Hammon is going to get a new deal after the finals based on her work, right? https://t.co/DSHIpSKGdy
— Brittany Anderson Laseak (@CFCoachBA) October 17, 2023
The highest paid coach in WNBA HISTORY??????? Give Becky Hammon a raise right now 🤨 https://t.co/U7DRwYXa0N
— Peyton Hopp (@writer_peyhopp) October 17, 2023
Excuse me?? https://t.co/SsK3MMAzA9
— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) October 16, 2023
Who? https://t.co/BperijXGB9 pic.twitter.com/z9hQTRDE0y
— Lo Dreher ✨ (@BiggggLo_) October 16, 2023
https://t.co/OFzHgyflzx pic.twitter.com/aQxdewvrHn
— B. Terrell (@itsBTerrell) October 16, 2023
What makes him qualified to be the highest paid coach in WNBA history? Last time I checked the Magic weren’t anywhere close to .500. Becky Hammon was an NBA assistant AND won a championship. Tell me what’s wrong here.#wnba #WNBATwitter https://t.co/EGyS51CM3n
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 16, 2023
This makes no sense to me
Actually seems very insulting to the women in this league ? Were there no other candidates who could execute the same results that would warrant him becoming the highest paid ? Maybe I missed something??? https://t.co/kkGGfnK09F— JazzTamir (@JazzTamir1) October 17, 2023
Soooo has he ever coached women’s basketball before? I couldn’t find anything on it https://t.co/Rv0cN30X87
— MK (@MKBogg) October 16, 2023
Why does he deserve to be the HIGEST PAID WNBA coach…
When he has never coached in the WNBA.. https://t.co/lH4hrJu2xc
— Ben W. (@mntwins020733) October 16, 2023
Yeah I can’t get over it.
From not being an active HC or having any experience within the WNBA to being the highest paid coach in WNBA History is white male privilege at work. https://t.co/rH87hQZep7
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) October 17, 2023
Making a man the highest paid coach in WNBA history, is the exact problem these women are fighting RIGHT NOW in equal pay. 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/bjY6xYKKmn
— Drew – The Fit Filmmaker (@TheFitFilmmaker) October 16, 2023
The wage gap playing out right in front of our eyes. No experience coaching or playing women’s basketball yet coming in as the highest paid WNBA coach ever. smh. https://t.co/tYUNnrsgOR
— Jackie Geilfuss (they/them) 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@OrangeJackius) October 17, 2023
