After parting ways with rookie head coach Chris Koclanes, the Dallas Wings are in search of a new leader to usher in the Paige Bueckers era. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the team is “focused solely on candidates with prior head coaching experience.” That focus makes one name stand out above the rest Sandy Brondello.
However, Dallas isn’t the only franchise seeking a proven, championship-caliber coach this offseason. The Seattle Storm also dismissed head coach Noelle Quinn, and if they intend to return to contention, they’ll need a veteran leader as well. With rookie phenom Dominique Malonga and several established All-Stars, Seattle could present an equally if not more appealing destination for Brondello, assuming the team expresses interest.
The timing of events has fueled speculation that the Wings have their sights set on Brondello. Shortly after the New York Liberty opted not to renew her contract following a first-round playoff exit, Dallas dismissed Koclanes. Fans immediately began connecting the dots, wondering if the Wings were positioning themselves to pair Brondello with Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers and their 2026 lottery pick. Fischer echoed this chatter in The Stein Line, reporting that “various league sources” view Brondello as a top contender for the Wings’ job.
Brondello would indeed be a strong fit in Dallas. She’s one of the most accomplished coaches in the league, winning a WNBA title with the Liberty in 2024 and another with the Phoenix Mercury in her debut season in 2014. She has a long track record of playoff success, and her experience could help Dallas quickly build a contender around Bueckers while also attracting talent in free agency.
Still, Seattle might hold a stronger pull. During her eight-year tenure with Phoenix, Brondello’s teams never missed the playoffs and reached the Finals twice, capturing one title. She then led the Liberty to four straight postseason appearances and two Finals berths. For a coach used to competing at the highest level, joining a rebuilding team like Dallas might not be as enticing as guiding a more veteran, playoff-ready Storm roster. As GM Talisa Rhea recently told ESPN, Seattle plans to keep its core intact which could make the Storm a more attractive landing spot for Brondello than the Wings.
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