Dallas Wings Name Jose Fernandez as New Head Coach

The Dallas Wings announced today the hiring of Jose Fernandez as their new head coach, aiming to bring stability to a position that has seen frequent turnover in recent years.

Fernandez joins the WNBA after a 25-year tenure at the University of South Florida. He was previously a finalist for the Wings’ head coaching position last year. The move comes after a challenging 2024 season for Dallas, where they finished with a 10-34 record under Chris Koclanes, who was dismissed after the New York Liberty also made a coaching change. The Wings had also reportedly shown interest in Sandy Brondello, who ultimately chose to coach the newly formed Toronto Tempo.

Brondello explained her decision to The Athletic, stating, “In Seattle, I probably could have had a chance to win straight away. In Dallas, there’s Paige Bueckers,” but ultimately, “I just felt like building something from the ground up, doing something new, and doing it in a different country.” The Wings’ future success is closely tied to the development of star player Paige Bueckers, and Fernandez’s existing relationship with UConn coach Geno Auriemma – who coached Bueckers in college – is expected to aid in that process. The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, fueled by rising stars like Bueckers, making coaching stability crucial for franchise success.

Fernandez will be tasked with integrating Bueckers alongside key players like Arike Ogunbowale. The team will now focus on building a competitive roster for the upcoming season. The WNBA draft is approaching, and Fernandez’s hiring could influence the team’s selections. WingsGameday reports the team will continue to evaluate potential draft picks throughout the college basketball season.

Team officials stated they are confident Fernandez’s experience and connections will provide a strong foundation for the Wings’ future.