Caitlin Clark No. 1 again? Ranking the WNBA’s head-coaching vacancies

Of the 13 WNBA teams that will compete next season, seven organizations have head-coaching vacancies. Some are desirable, and some are not. Here’s where potential hires would love to land, and some spots they might like to avoid:

1. The Indiana Fever

The Fever job is easily the most desirable open gig in the WNBA. The only problem? It’s probably not really open. Stephanie White parted ways with Connecticut and is almost certainly going to end up with the Fever. She’s from Indiana, already had a successful stint on staff from 2011-14 and was head coach of the franchise from 2015-16 before taking a college coaching job. It’s simply a great place for any coaching candidate to land. They are clearly on the rise, with established young stars like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark and a veteran presence with Kelsey Mitchell. The Fever made the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016 (when White was at the helm), so winning looks to be in the cards going forward. That and their recently renovated practice facilities make it a desirable location for free agents.

2. The Washington Mystics

The Mystics struggled last year, going 14-26 after Natasha Cloud left in free agency and Elena Delle Donne decided to sit out. But this is still a desirable job for the right coach. When the organization fired GM Mike Thibault and his son, coach Eric Thibault, Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger spoke of a desire to rejuvenate the franchise. He also expressed the organization’s goal of building through multiple drafts. In other words, this is a rebuild. But it’s also one that has resources and a history of commitment to women’s basketball.

3. The Chicago Sky

The Sky have promise with Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter headlining a young roster. The organization also just opened a state-of-the-art $38 million practice facility that can be used to attract and keep free agents. The foundation is there for this team, but there is one major concern. Is there any room for error? Teresa Weatherspoon had an entirely new roster, many of whom were young players learning about being in the league. She was fired after one season, so that’s a red flag for any potential coach. But GM Jeff Pagliocca came in after Weatherspoon had been hired last season, so theoretically, whomever he hires will be a candidate he believes in.

4. The Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks seem to be a franchise with impossible expectations. Most of the roster has been injured over the last two seasons, and Curt Miller is a coach with an established ability to build teams and attract free agents. So if the Sparks let him go after two years of never even having a complete roster, what will they expect from any coach who takes over? The positive of coaching in L.A. is that you’re coaching in L.A. There isn’t a more desirable location for enticing potential players. The Sparks also have Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, who have immense potential, and a shot at the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. Those things could outweigh the concerns.

5. The Atlanta Dream

The Dream have been a confounding franchise for the last few seasons. They drafted Rhyne Howard in 2022, which was a step in the right direction. She’s a wildly talented player who you can build around. But the Dream haven’t done that. Last season, they created a guard-heavy roster and drafted three players who were overseas and couldn’t contribute. It was just one of the many confusing things GM Dan Padover has done. If I’m a coach, I’m worried that this is a no-win situation. But on the upside, former coach Tanisha Wright was given three seasons to try to build something, which is a lot more than some recently fired WNBA coaches received. Maybe a new coach will be given the same grace.

6. The Dallas Wings

The Wings have had eight coaches since 2010, which again shows that no one is really getting the opportunity to build a system or establish a culture. Former coach Latricia Trammell took Dallas to the second round of the playoffs in 2023, the first time the team had advanced past the opening round since 2015. This season she had an injury-laden roster, and despite last year’s success, she was fired after just two seasons. Another concern for any potential coaches is the roster. Free agents Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard have both made it clear they aren’t looking to return.

7. The Connecticut Sun

The Sun have gotten lucky over the last few seasons. Curt Miller was able to build a contending team with Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, and Stephanie White maintained that same level of success. But having a WNBA team in Uncasville, Connecticut, is not easy. It’s not a desirable place to attract players, and the team’s entire core entered free agency this offseason. The facilities also aren’t up to par, and even during the playoffs, the team had to split its practice court with a child’s birthday party. That doesn’t seem like a franchise the league is serious about.