Jose Fernandez Named New Head Coach of Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings announced today the appointment of Jose Fernandez as their new head coach, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise as they aim to build on a promising young roster.

Fernandez, who boasts a 485-win record and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances over 25 seasons at the University of South Florida, officially took the helm yesterday during a formal introduction. He replaces Chris Koclanes, who was dismissed after a challenging 2024 season that saw the Wings finish with a 10-34 record. Fernandez expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I wanted to coach this group and I wanted to work with this franchise.” He also noted he believes in the ownership, front office, and partnership needed for success.

The new coach has already connected with key players, including reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers and four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, whose season was cut short last year due to a knee injury. The Wings hold a valuable draft pick in April, guaranteed to be no lower than third overall, and additional first-round selections in 2027, positioning them well for future growth. This coaching change comes as the WNBA continues to experience increased popularity and competitive balance. You can find more information about the league at the official WNBA website.

General Manager Curt Miller emphasized the importance of finding an experienced and successful leader, stating they “found our guy” in Fernandez. The Wings are hoping Fernandez can turn around a team that has struggled to maintain consistency since relocating to the Dallas area in 2016, and build upon the momentum of their 2023 playoff series win – the franchise’s first since the move. Read our WNBA season preview here.

Training camp is slated to begin in late April, coinciding with the anticipated completion of the Wings’ new practice facility.