The Washington Mystics have fired coach Eric Thibault after two seasons as head coach, and have also parted ways with legendary WNBA coach-turned-general manager Mike Thibault in a major organizational shakeup, the franchise announced on Wednesday.
Mike Thibault, who is the WNBA’s all-time wins leader as a coach with 379 career victories, transitioned to the general manager role within the Mystics organization in 2022. Eric Thibault took over on the bench and went 33-47 in two seasons at the helm, which included a 14-26 mark in 2024.
“After extensive reflection and conversation, we have decided we are at a point in our competitive and evolutionary cycle to turn the team over to new leadership with a renewed vision to carve our path into the future of WNBA basketball, Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger said on Wednesday in a statement. “Coach Mike elevated the Mystics program to its proud status as a league leader in innovation, the standard-bearer in player care, and a model franchise. …Coach Eric is a skilled coach and equally talented motivator. Our players are fortunate to have played for Eric these past two seasons, as will many other players in this league for decades ahead.”
The Mystics finished 2024 well outside the playoff hunt, and will not have just over a 10% chance of landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft lottery next month. The Mystics are one of five current job openings in the W, joining the Dallas Wings, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream.
