Franchisees less than a year after winning the first WNBA championship in history, New York Liberty Moving beyond the coach who inspired him for the title.
Last Friday, in view of the exit from the WNBA playoffs, Liberty announced on Tuesday that they Head coach Sandy Brondelo’s contract will not be renewedWho went to 107–53 (.669) in four sessions with franchisees, including 2024 championships in New York and the back-to-back WNBA final.
The New York title was protected from injuries. Liberty played all seasons without starting the wing Baneija lani-haemiltonAnd former MVP Zoncl Jones And Breena stewart Both recalled the extended stretch. Nevertheless, New York probably reduced its talent at less than full force, finishing to set up a difficult first-dawn series with number 5 seeds. Phoenix mercury Without the benefits of the benefits of the house.
Ahead of Critical child For freedom – and as whole wnba New collective bargain agreement The conversation is held – they must decide on the coach to lead in a new era. Only one player (Leoni fibich) The one who saw the action of more than seven minutes in the playoffs is subject to the contract.
ESPN’s Katie Barns, Kevin Pelton and Michael Voepel broke why New York made the step, which could be next on the Liberty Sideline and where Bondello could land as a coaching free agent.
Now why is freedom growing from Brondelo?
Michael Vopel: During the season, Rambling was that Bondelo could be on the hot seat, although for many observers who did not understand. From outside, it is difficult to see his four sessions in New York anything but as a success. His tenure erased Liberty’s Championship Zero: With the Commissioner’s Cup title in 2023 and then the WNBA title in 2024.
However, it is difficult to know what happens behind the closed doors about the dynamics and interactions of the team between management, coaches and players.
Some points point to number 6 seeds suffering from injury Indiana fever WNBA is still playing in the semi -finals, while the number 5 Seed Liberty has been abolished. But despite many fever injuries – especially in the guards position and most importantly that Cetleen Clarke – There were four other players in Indiana who appeared in every game this season, three of which started each game.
Among the injuries in the foreign competition and the players, Liberty did not have much continuity in its lineup as expected. And loss of laney-hamilton (injury) and Kayla Thornton (Extended by the Golden State in the draft expansion) separated and depth of New York as compared to 2024.
Finally, Liberty Management did not think that 2025 Liberty fulfilled what it expects, and Brondelo declined.
1:01
Liberty dethroned as mercury advance in WNBA playoffs
Phoenix Mercury defeated New York Liberty 79–73 and went behind 23 points from Sato Sabli.
What’s next for Liberty?
Katie Barns: Liberty front office It is possible Some disadvantages with players have to control. There will be an unrestricted free agent including almost the entire first five stewart. Asked about Bondello’s future after New York exiting the WNBA playoffs last week, Stewart expressed uneven support for Brondelo.
“He is our back, and we have her,” said Stewart. “It was not easy for anyone, but she came to keep us in her best position with a positive attitude and a mentality every day. So we are not going to be a team that indicates fingers. There are many of us who could do better in this season.”
point guard Natasha cloud Added: “Every player loves him … I think there should be a lot of respect, and it can also be called our fans. He has also brought you a first championship for this organization.
Of course, it is possible that there was great support in the locker room for this decision, but in an offsen filled with uncertainty with this roster, it would be paramount, explaining this decision amidst the desire to maintain the current talent and recruit new players.
Who are the potential candidates for Liberty Head Coaching Job?
Kevin Pelton: The most interesting candidate may already be on the New York bench this season. Assistant coach Sonia Raman has a resume that is roughly similar to the WNBA Coach of the Year, before it was hired Golden State Valcaries Last year, with experience as NBA assistant coach.
Raman spent three years Memphis Grizzle’s And head coaching experience, although at Division III level with MIT. This is one of the reasons that Liberty has made this move now because other teams – including Seattle StormWhich announced on Sunday that they are not renewing the contract of the coach Nole Quin – Raman may be interested in.
Other assistants who could jump to the head coach include Ribka Brunson Minnesota LinksBrian of January Indiana fever And Christie Toliver Phoenix mercuryAll of which are currently active in the WNBA semi -finals.
If New York wants a more experienced candidate, Liberty’s financial resources may allow him to attract a high level of candidate as we have seen jumping into WNBA in recent years. Jenny Bausac Indiana Pacers And James Wade Toronto rapter Experienced are the head coaches of the former WNBA who are now serving as NBA assistants, which can try to woo New York. And Liberty can pitch the head coaches of high level college appropriately.
Asserting a three -time national champion Don stale – A finalist when Para hired Net Tibbets- would be the best shot to leave South Carolina, but the USC’s Lindsay Gotlib and Duke’s Kara Lawson will definitely be the top targets based on their professional experience as assistants in the NBA.
Voepel: As the WNBA expands, the pool of coaching candidates has become more diverse and interesting, as it includes coaches with many different experiences. Success of Atlanta dream The first season of Carl Smesco is an example; He spent his career in college game before joining WNBA this year. Their possibility of infection makes WNBA more attractive to other college coaches.
And about 30 years after the launch of the WNBA, more former players spending many years in the league are now in the coaching rank. Along with Kevin’s candidates, consider Links Assistant Lindsay Vehlan, who was also the head coach of the first college. The Salel may no longer be ready to move, but is a representative of the Hall of Fame players in the coaching rank.
Everyone said, it is also understood that so far, there are no black women in head coaching positions in a league, where black women make most players. The two were fired last season (Teresa Weather Supoon and Tanisha Wright) and one this season (Quin).
Meanwhile, Liberty fired a Siddha winner in Brondelo, who won the title in Phoenix and New York. Do they already have strong candidates? This is not a good strategy if they let Brondelo go without a good idea of who would be his replacement.
What could be next for Brondelo?
Pelton: Given his championship lineage, Bondelo immediately becomes the most attractive head coaching candidate. She was not out of work for the last time when she was allowed by Phoenix after the 2021 WNBA final, who was immediately descending with New York. If Bondelo wants to get another job quickly, either the storm or two expansion franchisees that are yet to appoint head coaches (Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo), the next stop will be logical.
With an expansion team, Brondelo will get an opportunity to help the roster to shape the roster to like the independent agency and the expansion draft. She will give immediate credibility to the latest WNBA organizations with free agents as almost all league experienced players hit the offsen in the market.
Nevertheless, Seattle may be the best fit for Bondelo, who completed his game career with The Storm in 2003. General manager Talisa Riya made it clear on Monday She hopes that Seattle would contest for a title, possibly with the same core as a seventh -ranked group this season, but defeated every playoff team that saved Indiana twice during the regular session.
Brondelo has a coaching store guard experience Skiler Digins With mercury can help to get out of your time and Seattle more than your roster. Brondelo will also bring developing track records Britney Grinner A number 1 pick to six-time all-WNBA pick is relevant on his watch on the pick. Dominic goods The focal point of his future.
Voepel: The resume of Brondelo is impressive, but also: She treats people with respect and brings the dynamic to every place that she goes. She can do coach equally well between veterans, miscreants and all, and her enthusiasm for team-building and cameradari never seems to be enthusiastically. If Brondelo wants to keep coaching in WNBA, it will have opportunities. Coaches with his background, success and experience are often not available.
