WNBA fans let out a collective sigh of relief Tuesday when the Dallas Wings fired head coach Chris Koclanes after a dismal 10-34 season. The team tied the Chicago Sky for the league’s worst record, marking the franchise’s lowest point despite rookie sensation Paige Bueckers earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Now, as the Wings search for a new coach to replace Kocleans, fans point to one recurring Paige Bueckers connection that plagued the year. Needless to say, social media is catching all sorts of indications.
WNBA Fans Hint At Paige Bueckers’ Connection After Chris Koclanes’ Firing
The news of Koclanes’ dismissal hit like a game-winner for Wings supporters, who flooded social media with memes and pointed jabs tying it back to Bueckers’ frustrated expressions. One viral clip from July resurfaced, showing Bueckers raising an eyebrow during a crunch-time huddle against the Golden State Valkyries.
Chris Koclanes will not return as head coach of the Dallas Wings. pic.twitter.com/bk1ewqqc3M
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 30, 2025
The Wings trailed by six with under a minute left, yet Koclanes’ drawn-up play left the bench, including Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, visibly puzzled. Dallas failed to score after that, dropping an 86-76 decision and sinking to 7-18. Just as Bueckers drew a massive North Dallas crowd at an autograph signing event, she got fans on social media, too.
And that’s exactly what the internet fam needed.
“thank you god for listening to the peoples prayers,” a fan wrote, adding Bueckers’ image holding the ROTY award.
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thank you god for listening to the peoples prayers 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/L3DLXPqpwR
— mel (@cmckittle) September 30, 2025
“the prophecy has been fulfilled,” another fan commented while adding a funny reference to PB.
the prophecy has been fulfilled 🙏 https://t.co/CUlDzWW4Ry
— ArtButMakeItSports (@ArtButSports) September 30, 2025
A third fan also poked with the Wings’ rookie’s image with the caption- “smiling through it all! can’t believe this is my life.”
— Vic ( depressed sports fan)🏈⚽🏀 (@bcbyacstan13) September 30, 2025
“the signs were there,” a fourth fan hinted.
the signs were there
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) September 30, 2025
“One of the worst head coaches I’ve ever seen,” a fifth fan added.
One of the worst head coaches I’ve ever seen 😂
— Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) September 30, 2025
Koclanes’ lone year, after assisting under Miller in Connecticut and Los Angeles, exposed deeper issues. Dallas used 21 players and 18 starting lineups, cycling through trades amid a series of injuries. Fans rejoiced not just for the change, but for Bueckers’ sake, seeing it as an opportunity to unlock her full potential.
Paige Bueckers Looking At Wings’ Next Coaching Decision
Fans’ frustration with Koclanes’ play-calling transitions seamlessly into hope for Bueckers under new leadership. Miller’s statement emphasized building on “strong culture,” but the real test lies in hiring someone who maximizes the 2025 No. 1 pick.
Bueckers missed eight games due to a concussion, illness, and knee soreness, yet still tallied the third-most rookie points (692) and assists (194) in league history. The Wings now join a crowded coaching carousel, with openings in New York, Seattle, Portland, and Toronto.
Additionally, speculation swirls around candidates like Henry, who led Rose BC to an Unrivaled title, or proven vets who can pair Bueckers with Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington. Dallas holds a 40% shot at the 2026 No. 1 pick, plus two more first-rounders, fueling rebuild dreams.