The Dallas Wings did not have a great season last year. Despite acquiring the likes of Paige Bueckers, the team ended up in the bottom half of the league. While Bueckers earned the Rookie of the Year award, the team struggled with consistency throughout the season. Thus, in order to make things better, the front office opted for a change of staff.
And the very first thing they did was to appoint a new coach in Jose Fernandez. Immediately after taking up the responsibility, Fernandez outlined the plans for the 2026 season. And now, with the new season coming up, the Wings head coach has finalized his staff for the season.
Jose Fernandez Ropes In Former Arkansas Head Coach For Dallas Wings
Fernandez looks pretty much locked in and determined to make a visible difference for the team. And as his first step, the former USF Bulls have decided who all will be assisting him in his quest to put back the smiles on the Wings’ fans. According to a report from Alexa Phillippou, the coaching staff will also consist of the former Arkansas head coach, Mike Neighbors.
“Camille Smith, David Adkins, Mike Neighbors & Empress Davenport will serve as assistant coaches in Fernandez’s first year at the helm as the Wings look to build around Paige Bueckers & the 2026 No. 1 pick,” Philippou wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) post.
News: Dallas Wings HC Jose Fernandez has finalized his staff, per source
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 27, 2026
Camille Smith, David Adkins, Mike Neighbors & Empress Davenport will serve as assistant coaches in Fernandez's first year at the helm as the Wings look to build around Paige Bueckers & the 2026 No. 1 pick pic.twitter.com/YNPgYlcLHc
Surely, this looks like a fantastic lineup of coaches who would help the team to perform better this time around. In fact, after spending 25 years with the Bullets, the Wings coach has already sent some warnings to his opponent teams. In his maiden presser as a coach last year, Fernandez firmly believed that the Wings definitely had the potential to win big.
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Meanwhile, as the last-minute fine-tunings are in place, Geno Auriemma was very happy to see Fernandez as Bueckers’ coach.
Jose Fernandez’s Appointment Approved By Geno Auriemma
Bueckers is Auriemma’s favorite student from the UConn Huskies. Having built her game from scratch, the 23-year-old is now an icon. Thus, Auriemma would want her to be under the guidance of an able coach who can further make her bloom in her career. And for that, Fernandez seems to be the perfect fit.
“I think Jose Fernandez is a great hire by the Dallas Wings. I’ve always had the utmost respect for Jose as a teacher and an innovator. He’s a guy who thinks outside the box, whether that’s recruiting internationally or playing a style of basketball that’s unique. As a person, I think he’s terrific at communicating with his players. He’s a relationship guy. I think he’ll bring tremendous energy, stability, and innovation to that organization,” said Auriemma.
From one basketball great to another 🤝 pic.twitter.com/IEOjdWbfBN
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) October 28, 2025
Thus, as of now, the Dallas Wings’ scenario looks pretty rosy. But how the team will ultimately perform is something that we will need to wait for.