The WNBA is a league of opportunities, and those who grab it with both hands make a long-lasting mark in the league. Former Aces assistant coach Natali Nakase joined the expansion franchise, Golden State Valkyries, as head coach and led them to the playoffs. Nakase even won the Coach of the Year accolade for her impressive first season. Now the Minnesota Lynx’s two top coaches, Lindsay Whalen and Rebekkah Brunson, are the next two big names who could be on the move.
The four-time champion franchise has top-tier players like Napheesa Collier and Allana Smith, and Cheryl Reeve’s coaching staff is also very much star-studded.
Minnesota Lynx Could Lose Two Of Its Top Assistant Coaches
While the Lynx is the top contender for the 2025 WNBA championship, the side may not look the same after the season, even if they win the title. It’s not because of any locker-room splat or chemistry issue, but incomplete CBA negotiations. Although players have their choices to decide their future, there are coaches from the organization who could also be on the move.
Rebekkah Brunson and Lindsay Whalen have been key to the Lynx’s recent success, with Brunson sharpening the defensive skillsets of the players and Whalen impacting the playmaking. Both former Minnesota stars have been in the league for over a decade and won multiple championships with the Lynx.
The 2026 season will welcome Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire, and multiple head coaching positions are available for top-tier talent. The New York Liberty fired Sandy Brondello, while the Seattle Storm also parted ways with Noelle Quinn.
game three prep. pic.twitter.com/jK0EMtB4Ci
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 25, 2025
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The Seattle Storm and Liberty are looking for champion coaches who could lead them to the title next season, while the expansion teams are also in the hunt for experienced coaches for a strong start to their WNBA campaign. Looking at the current WNBA coaching staffs, the Lynx duo could be prime candidates for these franchises.
Minnesota Lynx Missed Massive Opportunity To Shut Down Phoenix Mercury
Both Lynx and Mercury are storied franchises that share seven WNBA titles. While the Lynx looked in control in Game 2 of the semifinal series, the Mercury’s 20-point comeback late in the game was shocking. The 12-0 run in the third quarter put the Mercury team within touching distance, while Sami Whitcomb’s three-pointer forced overtime.
The Mercury rode on the momentum and clinched an improbable win against the league leaders, narrowing the five-game series to a three-game series with home court advantage. With the loss, the Lynx not only lost an opportunity to push the deep, talented opposition to a possible elimination game, but now have to play at least two more games to close the series, giving away an extra rest day.