The New York Liberty failed to defend their title this season. But they did have a decent season, getting to the playoffs. Unfortunately, despite reaching the playoffs, the team’s front office decided to fire the head coach, Sandy Brondello. Immediately, fans erupted over Brondello’s unexpected firing. However, while the Liberty fans and athletes are still reeling with Brondello’s sudden exit, her husband has landed himself with a generous offer. Olaf Lange has been appointed as the new head coach of the German women’s national team.
Lange is an established coach and also has experience managing the New York Liberty. Although Lange served as Liberty’s assistant coach, his tactical approach earned widespread praise. Surely, his new endeavor will be an interesting prospect to watch out for.
Olaf Lange To Reunite With Some Of His New York Liberty Athletes
A native of Berlin, this will not be the first time Lange has coached a national side. In fact, he has been a head coach for the German women’s national team from 2001 to 2003. Interestingly, Lange reprising the role will also lead to him reuniting with his old acquaintances. The likes of Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich, who played under Lange at Liberty, will feature in the German team. Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally is also on the roster, making Germany a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, another interesting series of events will occur as Lange looks to take Germany to the summit. He will be facing his wife, Brondello, when Germany faces off against the Australian national side. Right after the announcement, fans flooded social media, excited about a potential showdown between Lange and Brondello.
Husband and wife on opposite sidelines is crazy 🔥
— Women's Hoops by FIBA (@FIBAWWC) October 16, 2025
With champion coaches Olaf Lange now leading Germany and Sandy Brondello calling the shots for Australia, a showdown between the married couple could be on the cards at next year’s #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/AtwVPKYwED
Apart from being Liberty’s assistant coach and coaching Germany previously, Lange’s resume also includes his stint in Russia. The 53-year-old had taken up the mantle of the Russian women’s national team during 2017-19. Meanwhile, coming back to the unexpected firing of Brondello, the Liberty GM recently revealed the reason for doing so.
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New York Liberty GM Reveals Reason For Firing Sandy Brondello
The Liberty crashed out of the playoffs in a heartbreaking manner. And since then, the team has been in a mess. Following their playoff exit, authorities relieved head coach Sandy Brondello of her duties. Such a drastic step made the fans react harshly. In fact, the likes of Breanna Stewart, too, fiercely defended Brondello. And as the situation grew tense, Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb revealed why the team decided to part ways with Brondello.
“This decision was in no way punitive, nor was it reactive — but it’s instead rooted in being proactive. Nor was this decision based solely on the results this past season. Ultimately, we determined that evolution and innovation is what is needed at this time. This is not a results-based organization. This is not about not winning or winning. It’s about how do we position ourselves to be at the top of the league in a real sustainable way as the league does evolve in the ways we’re talking about on the floor,” Kolb said.
Well, at the moment, Brondello is in heavy demand. And in all probability, the ex-Liberty head coach is heavily rumored to join the Dallas Wings. Thus, with both the husband and wife having their hands full, the upcoming days will surely be intriguing.