What Wright’s firing means for Dream, WNBA coaching landscape

On Wednesday, the Atlanta Dream terminated Tanisha Wright, becoming the third WNBA team to part ways with its head coach since the end of the regular season on Sept. 19.

Wright’s three-season record was 48-68, with two playoff appearances. The Dream, who last had a winning record in 2018, were eliminated from the playoffs in both postseason appearances under Wright. Despite not making back-to-back playoffs since 2013-2014, the team decided to let go of Wright.

In the most recent season, Atlanta finished 15-25, facing multiple injuries, including key player and Olympian Rhyne Howard missing 10 games.

Wright joins Teresa Weatherspoon as the second former WNBA player to be dismissed as a coach within the past week, as Weatherspoon was released by the Chicago Sky on Sept. 26 after just one season. Additionally, veteran coach Curt Miller parted ways with the Los Angeles Sparks after two seasons on Sept. 24.

Currently, there are three vacant coaching positions, including the head-coaching role for the new expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. The 2026 expansion teams in Toronto and Portland will also need to fill coaching vacancies.

This article examines Wright’s departure, the coaching landscape in the WNBA, and the possibility of more head-coaching openings this year.

Was Wright’s firing a surprise?

Wright’s dismissal was less surprising compared to Miller and particularly Weatherspoon. Despite only three seasons as head coach, the pressure to win in the competitive league may have influenced the decision.

Injuries posed a significant challenge for all three coaches this season, affecting team performance. However, coaches are expected to navigate such obstacles in professional sports.

The Dream underwent several changes in ownership since its establishment in 2008, with Wright and general manager Dan Padover joining the team in October 2021. Despite recruiting top players like Howard and Gray, injuries impacted the team’s consistency throughout the season.

The article continues to discuss Wright’s tenure with Atlanta, the challenges of coaching in the WNBA, and potential reasons behind the coaching changes.

What are the Sparks, Sky, and Dream looking for in a new coach?

These teams share a common focus on developing young, talented players like Howard, Brink, Jackson, Cardoso, and Reese. Nurturing these prospects is crucial for long-term success in the league.

Coaches must establish strong relationships with young players and guide them in their development, especially during the offseason when structured training time is limited.

While the outgoing coaches seemed to have positive connections with their respective teams, the article explores potential tensions within the organizations that may have contributed to the coaching changes.