Jose Fernandez Named Head Coach of Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings announced today the hiring of Jose Fernandez as their new head coach, marking a significant shift for the franchise as it seeks to overcome a history of instability and build a competitive team in the WNBA.
Fernandez, formerly the head coach at the University of South Florida for 25 years, was officially introduced at a press conference alongside General Manager Curt Miller on November 6, 2025. He becomes the Wings’ third coach in as many seasons, inheriting a team that has finished with the league’s worst record in consecutive years. “This was a franchise I wanted to work for. This was a team I wanted to coach, and this was the GM I wanted to work for,” Fernandez stated. Miller emphasized the team’s desire for experience in their coaching search, a contrast to the previous hire, Chris Koclanes.
Miller highlighted Fernandez’s proven track record, noting his ten NCAA Tournament appearances and a WNIT championship with USF, as well as his strong international recruiting ties. The Wings are hoping Fernandez can turn around a program that has struggled to find consistency, and his arrival comes ahead of key offseason events like the WNBA Draft and free agency. The team is also looking forward to developing star guard Paige Bueckers, who Fernandez described as “one of the faces of the league” and someone he is “really excited to get to work with.” You can find more information about the WNBA at WNBA.com.
Fernandez acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “A lot of people were scared about this job. I wasn’t scared.” He plans to prioritize building a strong coaching staff with professional experience and collaborative roster construction with Miller. The team’s ownership and front office are signaling a commitment to long-term success, a departure from the frequent coaching changes that have plagued the franchise. For more on women’s basketball news, see The IX Sports Basketball.
The Wings organization expects Fernandez to begin assembling his staff immediately, with a focus on player development and establishing a winning culture.
