The New York Liberty might not have won the WNBA title this year. But come the offseason, it is the 2024 WNBA champions who are making the most noise. After abruptly firing Sandy Brondello following Liberty’s playoff exit, the team has been searching for a new head coach.
Now, with almost all the franchises securing their head coaches for the season, Liberty remains the only franchise lagging behind. In fact, the team is still trying to determine who would be the best fit for the business next year.
Initially, the likes of Lindsey Harding were rumored to replace Brondello. But that did not happen. Now, as the free agency and WNBA Draft approach, the franchise has finalized three names for the role of head coach. And as Will Weaver, Jama Mahlalela, and Kristi Toliver await a decision, here’s a breakdown of all three coaches’ portfolios.
3. Will Weaver
Weaver has been one of the biggest names who has been in the pipeline for Liberty. Having served on two different occasions as a member of the Brooklyn Nets’ coaching staff, Weaver is pretty much familiar with the Liberty ownership. Continuing his coaching career, Weaver delved into the G-League and took up the Long Island Nets’ head coach position. Thankfully, the 41-year-old did a fantastic job with the Nets and clinched the G League Coach of the Year award.
the ny liberty are down to Will Weaver, Jama Mahlalela, and Kristi Toliver with a decision likely coming as soon as next week. all good candidates –> Fischer: Liberty coach candidates down to three, including ex-Nets assistanthttps://t.co/ePSLLcSYOp via @NetsDaily
— busy 💛 ☝️ (@busyxb) November 14, 2025
Not only that, he also led his team to a No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference. After his successful stint for the Long Island Nets, Weaver was appointed as the head coach of the Sydney Kings in the NBL. There, too, his NBA style of coaching was heavily praised. Surely, looking at such a diverse portfolio, the Liberty might as well consider the current Charlotte Hornets’ coaching advisor next.
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2. Jama Mahlalela
Mahlalela is currently serving as the Toronto Raptors’ assistant coach. Madeline Kenney of the New York Post initially reported that the Liberty viewed Mahlalela as one of the hottest picks. Looking at his coaching experience, Mahlalela worked as a community projects supervisor for the Toronto Raptors. Next up, he took up the role of a head coach for the first time in his life, coaching for the G-League’s Raptors 905.
Speaking about Mahlalela’s impact as a coach, Executive Vice President of basketball operations for the Warriors, Kirk Lacob, stated, “He’s very forward-thinking. He’s not reactive, he’s proactive about things. I don’t want to say we’ve never had somebody like that, but he’s a different breed from any coach we’ve had.”
Surely, picking up so much praise, it remains to be seen whether Mahalalela makes the cut as the mentor for the likes of Sabrina Ionescu and others in the next season.
1. Kristi Toliver
Among all the names that are being considered, it appears that Kristi Toliver is one of the top candidates that the Liberty are seriously considering. At the moment, Toliver is serving as the associate head coach for the Phoenix Mercury. And out of all three finalized names, Toliver is the only one with extensive coaching experience.
In fact, Toliver also has extensive experience as a player, having been a dominant force during her playing days. Showing some impeccable skills, Toliver won the WNBA title twice, first with the Sparks in 2016 and then with the Mystics in 2019.
Liberty have narrowed down their coaching list to 3 finalists.
— domo #knicksin4 (@ddubxdo) November 12, 2025
Kristi toliver
Will weaver
An eastern conference NBA assistant coach pic.twitter.com/qhKKWStc0G
Regarding her coaching experience, Toliver boasts four years of NBA-level coaching experience. She has served as the assistant coach of both the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks. Following her final WNBA season in 2023, after tearing her ACL, Toliver went ahead to assist Nate Tibbetts for the Phoenix Mercury.
Speaking about her NBA experiences, Toliver recently told The IX Basketball, “It was like four years of college for me. I was just like a student, and I soaked it up and I gave my flair to it because of my experience in the W. I brought that to the NBA. It can go both ways.”
One of the biggest highlights of Toliver’s coaching career has been her time assisting Luka Doncic. Surely, out of all three candidates, Toliver at the moment is looking like an obvious choice for the Liberty.
Now, it all comes down to who Jonathan Kolb and Co. will deem fit for trusting with the coveted role of their head coach.