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The USC Trojans women’s basketball witnessed the departure of one of their assistant coaches who was hired as the head coach of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings.
Chris Koclanes returns to the professional realm after spending two successful seasons with the Trojans. During his tenure, Koclanes contributed to USC’s 40-game wins and the development of Trojans’ standout player JuJu Watkins.
Thank you for everything you’ve given our program, Coach Chris ✌️
Wishing Chris Koclanes the best of luck in Dallas! pic.twitter.com/ustGg9Np1f
— USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) December 23, 2024
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed gratitude towards Koclanes for his commitment and service to the Trojans during his time with the team.
“We are excited for Chris to take on the role of head coach for the Dallas Wings,” Gottlieb stated. “Chris has a special talent for understanding and teaching the game effectively. He has played a significant role in our team’s progress at USC, and we look forward to seeing him lead the Wings.”
Koclanes was highly respected by the team and was known as a coach who connected well with players. USC guard Talia von Oelhoffen expressed her appreciation for the departing coach on social media.
“Hires like this ensure a bright future for the game,” von Oelhoffen shared. “I can’t wait to see the impact you make as a head coach. We will miss you but are thrilled for your new opportunity.”
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Chris Koclanes was among the two most commons names @TheAthleticWBB heard in 2023 when asking GMs who would make a great head coach.
Now, he finds another job with Curt Miller, as the Dallas Wings’ new head coach.
— Ben Pickman (@benpickman) December 23, 2024
Koclanes returned to USC for his second term after previously serving as the team’s video coordinator in 2015. Prior to rejoining the college level, he worked as the defensive coordinator for WNBA veteran coach and executive Curt Miller. Koclanes collaborated with Miller at the Connecticut Sun and the Los Angeles Sparks from 2016-22.
Now, Koclanes reunites with Miller at the Wings, where Miller is the general manager. He steps into a promising situation with the Wings holding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, potentially getting the chance to work with USC’s standout forward Kiki Iriafen.
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