Chris Koclanes has spent eight seasons as an assistant coach under Curt Miller, working with the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks. He is now the first head coach hired by Miller during his time as general manager of the Dallas Wings.
Koclanes will be leaving his role as an assistant coach with the USC Trojans, where he has been working under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb since last season.
Known for his defensive strategies and player development skills, Koclanes is tasked with improving the Wings’ defense, which was the worst in the WNBA in 2024. The addition of the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, expected to be UConn’s Paige Bueckers, should also bolster the team’s performance in Dallas.
Miller spoke highly of Koclanes, expressing his excitement for the new hire:
We are thrilled to welcome Chris Koclanes as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings. Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars. He is a servant leader who values connection, collaboration, and effective communication with his players. Chris is a skilled teacher of the game with a strong basketball IQ, committed to player development and always seeking innovative strategies. He is a hard worker who is well-prepared for any challenge.
