After Toronto Tempo and Seattle Storm, Dallas Wings decided on its head coaching position and handed Jose Fernandez the charge. The Texas franchise is now all set to plan its roster as per the coach’s game plan and playing style.
During Wings’ confirmation of Jose Fernandez’s appointment as head coach, GM Curt Miller lauded him as a ‘veteran and well-respected coach’ in women’s basketball. After all, the coach spent nearly half of his life at the University of South Florida, and it was obvious that he got emotional leaving the ‘familiar’ place.
Jose Fernandez Gets Emotional About Leaving USF After 25 Years For Dallas Wings
Leading the USF to nine NCAA appearances in the last 13 seasons, the Florida-born coach had a massive impact on the side. He was the program’s winningest coach, leading them for 25 years in college basketball. After the appointment at the Wings, Fernandez expressed gratitude and also felt emotional upon leaving USF.
“It’s something every coach aspires to. This is professional basketball, the highest level. If you’re ever going to make a move like this, it’s the right time. It was not an easy decision by any means, but I am excited, and I am at peace,” Fernadez said on his appointment. However, he became emotional upon leaving his college team.
Bulls Nation!
— Jose Fernandez (@CoachJFernandez) October 27, 2025
Thank you for the last 25 years. pic.twitter.com/ZJ7NBG8Ix5
The Wings HC then added, “I’m leaving a USF program that I’ve led for 25 years. USF is an incredible place, and it has been so good to me and my family. We won a lot of games, and we were going to win a lot more. So, this decision is not one that was taken lightly. Were there emotions? Of course, there were emotions. Some of the things that you feel are difficult to put into words.”
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Fernandez made his decision a week before the Wings’ actual announcement, as he informed his college team authorities. As for the USF, Michele Woods-Baxter stepped up as interim head coach after Jose Fernandez’s WNBA move.
Paige Bueckers To Benefit From Jose Fernandez’s Appointment
One of the major concerns for the Wings in the 2025 season was the connection between Paige Bueckers and her HC. The defensive-minded coach couldn’t find the perfect balance with PB throughout the season. The camera even caught Paige Bueckers’ hilarious reaction to Koclanes’ play call on multiple occasions. But that might not be the case for Jose Fernandez.
The coach has always relied on his stars to call the shots and gave them freedom at the offensive end. Moreover, Fernandez is a great friend of Bueckers’ college coach, Geno Auriemma. Allowing him to take some notes from the reigning NCAA champion.