On September 5, 2023, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, Chris Koclanes, assistant coach of the Los Angeles Sparks, reacts during a WNBA game between the Connecticut Sun and the Los Angeles Sparks. (Image courtesy of Erica Denhoff/Ic
The Dallas Wings announced on Monday that Chris Koclanes has been hired as their new head coach.
Koclanes has been an assistant coach in Division I women’s basketball in the WNBA for over ten years.
“The Dallas Wings are excited to welcome Chris Koclanes as their new head coach,” stated general manager and executive vice president Curt Miller. Chris kept rising to the top and fulfilling the requirements of our key pillars during our protracted search and interview process. As a servant leader, he values connection, teamwork, and having a constructive and regular communication approach with everyone he mentors.
From 2016–22, Koclanes was a member of Miller’s Connecticut staff. In 2019 and 2022, she assisted the Sun in making it to the WNBA Finals. Last month, Miller was appointed general manager of the Wings.
Under Koclanes, the Connecticut Sun defense excelled, routinely placing in the top three of the WNBA in terms of opponent field goal and 3-point shooting percentages, opponent scoring average, and opponent turnovers committed.
“Chris has an exceptional basketball IQ and is an excellent instructor of the game. He has a forward-thinking and creative mind for the game and is dedicated to player development,” Miller stated. “He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.”
On January 9, a news conference will be held to formally introduce Koclanes, who is now in his second season as an assistant at USC.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings,” Koclanes remarked. “I would like to thank Chairman Bill Cameron, CEO and Managing Partner Greg Bibb and General Manager Curt Miller for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility.”
The Wings won the lottery and will have the first pick in the WNBA draft. After two seasons with the team, going 31-49 with two playoff appearances, they fired coach Latricia Trammell in October. For the first time since 2020, the Wings missed the WNBA postseason after finishing 9-31 this past season.
In the WNBA, which saw seven coaches sacked following the season, there is still one head coaching position available, and Washington has not yet announced a replacement.
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