The Dallas Wings faced a crucial head coach decision after a poor 2025 season. While they brought in Chris Koclanes, the team had a dismal run. Despite the heroics of Paige Bueckers creating ripples across the WNBA realm, things looked extremely grim for the Wings. After all, finishing 13th in the 13-team league was not the ideal outcome that the front office was hoping for.
Thus, after ending the season with a 10-34 record, Koclanes was given the stick after just one year at the helm. Meanwhile, according to recent reports, the Wings are currently targeting a couple of college coaches to lead the side. As the WNBA draft is approaching fast, the team wants to sort out its coaching woes soon.
Dallas Wings Reportedly Eyeing One Of Two College Coaches Ahead Of Next Season
There have been a lot of rumors as to who the Wings would choose as their next coach. Recently, the speculations of Sandy Brondello emerging as a top candidate for Dallas did the rounds. With the New York Liberty firing Brondello and looking at her impressive CV, it looked like a good pick for the Wings. However, in a recent report from The Athletic’s Ben Pickman, two college coaches, namely, Baylor’s Nicki Collen and South Florida’s Jose Fernandez, are being heavily considered.
“Baylor head coach Nicki Collen has WNBA and collegiate head coaching experience and has known general manager Curt Miller for decades —they worked together at Colorado State in 2001. South Florida’s Jose Fernandez has been with the Bulls since 2000 and is among the most respected names in college basketball,” wrote Pickman.
Chris Koclanes will not return as head coach of the Dallas Wings. pic.twitter.com/bk1ewqqc3M
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 30, 2025
Interestingly, Fernandez does have a bit of a connection with the Wings. Last year, he emerged as the second choice as the front office went ahead with Koclanes. Now, once again, the South Florida coach is in the talks. And there is a pretty good chance that he might make the cut this time. Meanwhile, looking back at the season, Koclanes did admit that it was a tough one for him.
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Chris Koclanes Admits Major Challenge In His First Year With Dallas Wings
Koclanes had a difficult season this year. With injuries plaguing the team, the only silver lining for the coach was Paige Bueckers’ form. Despite the team faltering significantly, Bueckers broke the Wings’ scoring record while playing against the Warriors. Reflecting on the season, Koclanes admitted that it was nothing like he expected initially.
While he was asked about what his most difficult challenge was, the Wings’ former head coach replied, “That’s a good question. Honestly just navigating everything for the first time… But luckily I’ve had tremendous support from the organization top down and from our assistant coaches and our extended staff to help me, guide me in navigating all of those decisions.”
Surely, the Wings are looking desperate to rebuild the side. And acquiring a good coach would be the first thing that they would want to tick off their bucket list.