A year after seven WNBA teams made head coach changes, the coaching carousel is turning again with five more openings set for the 2025 season. The New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, and Dallas Wings will all bring in new leaders, while expansion teams Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo hire their first-ever coaches, with Portland returning to the league after some time away.
Here’s a closer look at these new coaches, their backgrounds, their coaching styles, and what fans can expect from them:
Seattle Storm has appointed Sonia Raman as head coach. Raman brings NBA assistant coaching experience with the Memphis Grizzlies (2020-2024) and a recent stint with the New York Liberty in 2025. Praised for her inspiring journey and clear vision by Storm GM Talitha Rea, Raman is known for her focus on spacing and pace, emphasizing quick possessions, attacking unsettled defenses, and disciplined play. Players and staff alike have praised her personal approach and leadership qualities, making her a crucial figure as the Storm rebuilds around experienced stars like Nneka Ogwumike and Skyler Diggins.
Dallas Wings named Jose Fernandez as their head coach after a long and successful college coaching career at the University of South Florida (2000-2025) and roles with USA Basketball’s U18 and U19 teams. Fernandez emphasizes giving the ball to the best players and playing with good spacing, reflecting the European-style offense he ran in college, which includes fast breaks, rim attacks, and strong ball movement. Known for a defense-first mentality focused on intensity and toughness, Fernandez is viewed as a steady, smart hire who can help rising star Paige Bueckers flourish.
Portland Fire, one of the new expansion teams, hired Alex Salama as their head coach. Salama, previously Player Development Director with the Rip City Remix and Cleveland Cavaliers, is recognized for his innovative, science-backed coaching methods based on constraint-led approaches that teach players game-like adaptability rather than rigid drills. His emphasis on creativity, evidence-based training, and up-tempo play aligns with Portland’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation in women’s sports. Though new to traditional coaching roles, Salama’s forward-thinking style and analytical mindset offer high potential for success.
Toronto Tempo brought in Sandy Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion with extensive coaching experience including head coach of the Australian National Team (2017-present), New York Liberty (2022-2025), and Phoenix Mercury (2014-2021). Brondello’s system features a five-out offense designed for versatility and ball movement, built around key players like Brianna Stewart. Despite mixed recent results in New York, Brondello is highly respected and chose to lead an expansion team over higher-paying offers, focusing on creating a strong culture and winning identity from the outset—a critical factor for new franchises.
Fan Take: This wave of coaching changes is thrilling for WNBA fans as it signals fresh energy, innovative strategies, and bold visions coming to multiple teams and new franchises. These hires, balancing experienced leadership with cutting-edge approaches, could significantly elevate the league’s competitiveness and popularity, helping to grow the sport and engage fans nationwide.
