The college basketball season will begin on November 3, with many teams preparing for their chance in the NCAA tournament. The University of South Florida Bulls will have a sudden change as Michele Woods-Baxter takes the head coach position, replacing Jose Fernandez, who is leaving for a WNBA job.
As per reports, the Dallas Wings are zeroing in on USF’s Jose Fernandez as the new head coach. The Wings finished the 2025 season with a 10-34 record, and Fernandez will have a monumental task of taking the side to glory.
Michele Woods-Baxter To Replace Jose Fernandez As Interim Coach For USF
Ahead of the new WCBB season, various programs held their preseason press conferences, where the respective head coaches discussed their teams’ performances and preparations. Reigning champion Geno Auriemma also spoke highly of his team’s chances and even advised the Dallas Wings about Paige Bueckers.
While the Dallas Wings received some guidance from the UConn coach, they reportedly went in for the University of South Florida’s coach, Jose Fernandez. The university made a decision and appointed Michele Woods Baxter as its interim head coach.
“I am pleased to share that Michele Woods-Baxter, who has been an integral part of our program’s success over the past 17 seasons, will serve as the interim head coach of our women’s basketball program for the 2025-26 season, which tips off on November 3. Michele’s experience and leadership will guide our student-athletes as they embrace a challenging schedule and compete for another American Conference championship,” said Rob Higgins
South Florida WBB associate head coach Michele Woods-Baxter has been named the program's interim head coach following the departure of longtime head coach Jose Fernandez to the WNBA https://t.co/OnEKrwiiPe pic.twitter.com/voqOlNnMcg
— Raoul (@Raoul_000) October 23, 2025
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Fernandez led the USF to its fourth American Conference championship with a 23-11 overall record. He also led the Bulls to 19 postseason appearances and a 2009 WNIT championship. While the 53-year-old will be aiming for a strong start at the Wings, he will face a number of challenges at the pro level of women’s basketball.
Jose Fernandez To Rely On Paige Bueckers’ Performance
The former UConn player made her mark in Chris Koclane’s era at the wins. While the rookie coach couldn’t put them in the playoffs, Fernandez will aim to utilize PB’s talents to fulfill and make an immediate impact on the league.
With an overall record of 485-317 at the USF, the 53-year-old is the winningest coach of the program. He balances defense with a well-rounded offense, which was lacking at the Wings in the last season.
As per ESPN’s early power rankings, the Dallas Wings take the rock bottom place, and the appointment of Fernandez might be the Wings’ first step towards changing that narrative.