The Lynx made some key additions to their coaching staff over the weekend, bringing on board Minnesota legend Lindsay Whalen and former Washington Mystics coach Eric Thibault.
“I am thrilled to have both Eric and Lindsay join our coaching staff,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “Eric brings a wealth of experience from his time coaching in the WNBA and being a champion. Lindsay, on the other hand, offers a unique perspective as a Lynx legend and Hall of Famer. I am eager to work with both of them as we aim for another WNBA championship.”
Thibault, who was recently let go by the Mystics, will take on the role of associate head coach for the Lynx.
“I am excited to be part of Cheryl’s staff and the Lynx organization,” Thibault commented. “The team has established a winning culture, and I am looking forward to contributing towards our pursuit of a WNBA championship.”
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Thibault served as head coach of the Mystics for the past two seasons following a decade-long tenure as an assistant with the franchise.
Whalen played a key role in guiding the Lynx to four WNBA championships from 2011 to 2017 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.
“I am extremely excited to be reunited with the Lynx, Coach Cheryl, and Becky (Rebekkah Brunson),” expressed Whalen. “Eric and I have a long history, and I can’t think of a better coaching staff to join as I step back into coaching and embark on my first WNBA coaching opportunity.”
Following her retirement as a player, Whalen took on the head coaching position at her alma mater, the University of Minnesota, before stepping down after three losing seasons.
Prior to her time with the Lynx, Whalen played under Thibault’s father, Mike, while she also brought on board Eric Thibault’s sister, Carly, as an associate head coach at Minnesota.
The Lynx made it to the WNBA Finals in the previous season for the first time since Whalen’s playing days, ultimately falling to the New York Liberty in a decisive Game 5.
Earlier in the offseason, former Lynx associate head coach Katie Smith departed to coach at her alma mater, Ohio State.
