Home US SportsWNBA Chris Koclanes named coach of Dallas Wings: What to expect from longtime WNBA assistant

Chris Koclanes named coach of Dallas Wings: What to expect from longtime WNBA assistant

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Chris Koclanes named coach of Dallas Wings: What to expect from longtime WNBA assistant

The Dallas Wings have hired longtime WNBA assistant, and current USC assistant, Chris Koclanes as their next head coach.

Koclanes is in his second year with the Trojans, who are off to an 11-1 start this season. However, Koclanes previously spent eight seasons in the WNBA, working under Wings general manager Curt Miller, who was the coach of the Los Angeles Sparks and Connecticut Sun.

Koclanes was initially hired in 2016 as the Sun’s video coordinator, but later became an assistant coach, where he spearheaded Connecticut’s defense. When Miller was hired as the Sparks’ head coach after the 2022 season, Koclanes went with Miller to L.A.

“Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars,” Miller said in a statement. “He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches. Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward-thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.”

Koclanes joins the Wings at a pivotal point in the franchise’s history. The Wings hold the rights to the No. 1 pick in April’s 2025 WNBA Draft, where UConn star Paige Bueckers is the presumed selection if she elects to turn pro. Satou Sabally, a 2023 All-WNBA first-team forward, is an unrestricted free agent. The Wings are also looking to return to the playoffs after a 9-31 season, which saw them fire Latricia Trammell, their head coach for the past two years.

As the Wings look to make their fourth playoff appearance in five seasons, they do so with a move coming soon. The franchise is targeting a relocation from Arlington to downtown Dallas by the start of the 2026 season, planning to open a new practice facility that year and undergoing broader business transformations. This summer, they sold two half-percent ownership stakes at a league-record $208 million valuation.

“I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community,” Koclanes said in a statement. “I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”

Koclanes is well-regarded around the WNBA for his defensive acumen and impact on player development. In Connecticut, the Sun consistently finished in the top three in the WNBA in opponent scoring average, opponent turnovers committed and opponent field goal and three-point shooting percentages. Dallas, meanwhile, hasn’t finished higher than eighth in defensive rating since 2016.

In ’s GM survey at the end of the 2023 season, Koclanes was one of the two names heard most often when executives were asked about their lists of coaches that have not been a head coach in the WNBA but would be a great hire for any franchise.

“They kind of zoom in on him when he’s drawing up end of quarters or whatever for his team, so I think it’s really great that he’s gotten that space to show off his talents in the coaching way,” one said then.

Added another: “I think Curt has given him a lot of autonomy.”

Now, Koclanes will reunite with Miller, as well as with Dallas Wings assistant general manager Jasmine Thomas, whom Koclanes coached in Connecticut, and have even more autonomy.

“There are so many incredible things on the horizon for this franchise, including a new arena, a state-of-the-art practice facility and the opportunity to select No. 1 overall in the upcoming WNBA Draft,” Miller said. “And we are confident Chris is the right person to lead this team into a new era of Dallas Wings basketball.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Dallas Wings, WNBA

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