The Chicago Sky are in search of a new head coach after the surprising dismissal of Teresa Weatherspoon following just one season. The decision left fans and even Angel Reese confused, with Reese expressing her support for Weatherspoon on Twitter.
Chicago had a 13-27 record and ended up in 10th place in the WNBA standings. The Sky were 8th in the league after the Olympic break, but injuries and other unfortunate events caused them to fall down the standings.
Several key players suffered setbacks, including Chennedy Carter missing games due to illness, Angel Reese undergoing wrist surgery, and Kamilla Cardoso sitting out games towards the end of the season. Luck was not on the Sky’s side as the Dream clinched the 8th seed for the playoffs.
Chicago missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018, which was somewhat expected given that the team was in a rebuilding phase. It seems the front office may have had unrealistic expectations of Weatherspoon’s ability to turn the team into contenders quickly, despite preaching patience throughout the season.
The Sky recently celebrated the groundbreaking of their new practice facility in Bedford Park. GM Jeff Pagliocca addressed the media and explained the decision to let go of Weatherspoon, citing a need for change.
Pagliocca emphasized the importance of structure, discipline, and accountability in the next head coach, with the goal of contending for a championship and consistently making the playoffs.
It raises the question of whether Weatherspoon would have been retained if the Sky had made the playoffs. Pagliocca’s promotion to GM post-Weatherspoon’s departure highlights the significance of the upcoming head coach selection.
Considering the succession of head coaches since the 2021 title win, stability is crucial for the Sky’s future success. The organization’s optimism about player Angel Reese is met with skepticism from some fans.
The upcoming season will be telling for Chicago’s trajectory, as they are set to appoint their fourth head coach post-2021 championship. Stability is key for the team’s progress.
Despite missing the groundbreaking event, Reese’s status with the team seems solid, according to Pagliocca. Though concerns linger among fans, they remain hopeful for the team’s future.
