Thibault served as the Mystics’ head coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, following his role as the team’s associate head coach in 2019 and as an assistant coach for ten seasons prior. During his time in Washington, Thibault helped the team make nine postseason appearances, including two as head coach. He was instrumental in their back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2018 and 2019, winning the WNBA Championship in 2019 – the franchise’s first.
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“I’m thrilled to be joining head coach Cheryl Reeve’s staff and the Minnesota Lynx organization,” said Thibault. “The players and staff have created an incredible winning culture, and I’m eager to contribute as we chase a WNBA Championship.”
Minnesota welcomed Thibault on X with the caption “welcome to Minnesota, Eric!”
For Whalen, this marks her first WNBA coaching position after coaching the University of Minnesota women’s basketball program from 2018-2023. Whalen was drafted by the Connecticut Sun in 2004, played until 2009, and then played with the Lynx from 2010-2018. Her No. 13 jersey was retired by Minnesota in 2019, and she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
During her professional career, Whalen won four WNBA Championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017), received five All-WNBA honors, and had five All-Star selections. She was also named to the WNBA’s Top20@20 and The W25 lists, recognizing her as one of the greatest players of all time.
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“I’m excited to be back with the Lynx and reunited with Reeve and Rebekkah Brunson,” said Whalen. “Eric and I have a long-standing relationship, and I couldn’t have asked for a better staff to join as I return to coaching in the WNBA. We have a special team, and I’m eager to get started.”
The Minnesota Lynx announced Whalen’s return on X with the caption “WELCOME BACK, WHAY.”
“I am thrilled to add Eric and Lindsay to our coaching staff,” Reeve stated. “Eric brings extensive WNBA coaching experience, both as a head coach and assistant, and is a WNBA Champion. Lindsay’s perspective as a Lynx legend and Hall of Famer adds a unique dynamic. I look forward to working with both in our quest for another WNBA Championship.”
