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Warren Skalski/NBAE via Getty Images
Former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach Tyler Marsh has signed a multiyear contract to become the next head coach of the Chicago Sky, his agent told ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Marsh served on the Aces staff during the team’s run to the 2022 and 2023 WNBA titles.
Marsh will replace former head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who was fired in September after one season. Following the loss of star rookie Angel Reese to a season-ending injury, the Sky went 13-27 and missed the playoffs under Weatherspoon’s tenure.
The record marked a step back for the Sky, who were hoping to improve after adding Reese and No. 3 pick Kamilla Cardoso in the 2024 WNBA draft.
Reese reacted to Weatherspoon’s dismissal with a Sept. 26 post on X, in which she said she was “heartbroken” and that the former head coach “didn’t deserve” to be fired.
The former No. 7 pick then told Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times that she “can’t imagine playing for the Sky without [Weatherspoon.]”
Reese seemed to have a positive reaction to the hiring of Marsh, as she posted again on X soon after the news broke on Saturday:
Angel Reese @Reese10Angel
W.
Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca told Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune in October that the Sky’s relationship with Reese “is in a good spot.”
“Emotions were high for a couple days and we can respect that. We can appreciate it,” Pagliocca said. “We understand that there’s bonds that are built with coaches and players, especially the young ones.”
Pagliocca told Poe that part of the reason the Sky fired Weatherspoon, who had not previously served as a WNBA assistant or head coach before accepting her role in Chicago, was because the franchise had heard rumors that veteran free agents would hesitate to sign with the Sky due to her inexperience.
The Sky will look to change that by adding Marsh, who was hired by the Aces in 2022 and worked with the team as the franchise put up a 77-29 record and 19-6 postseason mark in three seasons.
The Aces have credited Marsh with helping Jackie Young improve her shooting accuracy on her way to winning the 2022 WNBA Most Improved Player award. Young has now averaged at least 15 points and earned All-Star nominations in each of the last three seasons.
The Sky will hope Marsh can help similarly develop young players like Reese, Cardoso and 2024 Most Improved Player candidate Chennedy Carter as Chicago looks to climb back into the playoff picture in 2025.
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