Dallas Wings hire USC women's assistant Chris Koclanes as head coach

The Dallas Wings hired Chris Koclanes as the franchise's new head coach, the team announced Monday.

Koclanes has more than a decade of experience as an assistant coach in the WNBA and Division 1 women's basketball.

"We are thrilled to welcome Chris Koclanes as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings," said Curt Miller, executive vice president and general manager. "Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars. He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches."

Koclanes worked with Miller in Connecticut on his staff from 2016-22 and helped the Sun reach the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022. Miller was hired as the Wings' general manager last month.

The Connecticut Sun defence shined under Koclanes, consistently finishing in the top three in the WNBA in opponent scoring average, opponent turnovers committed and opponent field goal and 3-point shooting percentages.

"Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward thinking and innovative mind for the game," Miller said. "He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation."

Koclanes, who is currently in his second season as an assistant at USC, will be formally introduced at a press conference on Jan. 9.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings," said Koclanes. "I would like to thank chairman Bill Cameron, CEO and managing partner Greg Bibb and general manager Curt Miller for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility."

The Wings have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft after winning the lottery. They let coach Latricia Trammell go in October after she went 31-49 in two seasons with the team, including 2-3 in playoff appearances. This past season the Wings went 9-31 and missed the WNBA post-season for the first time since 2020.

Johnson a former Sky assistant

The Washington Mystics hired Jamila Wideman as the franchise's new general manager and Sydney Johnson as the team's head coach.

Wideman joins the Mystics after spending six years at the NBA league office, where she most recently served as senior vice-president of player development. Johnson has worked with USA Basketball over the past five years as well as being an assistant coach with the Chicago Sky last season.

"Jamila's breadth of experience, range of core competencies, and passion for developing the whole athlete, makes her the ideal person to usher in the new era of Mystics Basketball," team president Michael Winger said. "Similarly, Sydney brings an exceptional combination of acumen, tenacity, and empathy that will elevate our play and galvanize the team around the new direction for this championship franchise."

Wideman was part of the inaugural WNBA draft class, going to the Los Angeles Sparks with the third pick. She also played with the Portland Fire and Cleveland Rockers.

"I have strong roots in the WNBA and have had the privilege of playing with, working alongside, and witnessing the incredible people who are the athletes at the centre of the game," she said. "The very best I have seen share some core qualities — curiosity, humility, and imagination. I look forward to building a Mystics team in partnership with the players, coaches, and staff that reflects this core."

Wideman helped oversee the NBA's player development initiatives, managed relationships with external organizations, and spearheaded the league's mental health and wellness platform.

Johnson started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Georgetown University and went on to serve as head coach at his alma mater, Princeton University, where Johnson earned consecutive Ivy League coach of the year honours (2008-09, 2009-10). He spent his childhood in the Baltimore area and attended Towson Catholic High School.

He then was head coach at Fairfield from 2011-19.

"Today's appointments of Jamila and Sydney represent a pivotal moment for the Mystics and our fans — the best fans in the WNBA," said Ted Leonsis, the Washington Mystics owner and Monumental Sports & Entertainment chairman and CEO. "As I commemorate 20 years as owner of the Mystics in 2025, I am energized by the vision Michael, Jamila, and Sydney have for instilling and driving a culture of performance, achievement, empathy, and innovation for many years to come."

They replace Mike Thibault and Eric Thibault as GM and coach. The Mystics finished this season 14-26, just missing the playoffs. Washington started the year with 12 straight losses and dealt with injuries to Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes. The team also underwent major changes this offseason with Elena Delle Donne sitting out and Natasha Cloud leaving for Phoenix.

With the hiring of Johnson, all seven of the vacant coaching openings have been filled.