Dallas Wings part ways with coach Chris Koclanes after disappointing 10-34 season finish
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI Global Desk | Oct 02, 2025, 01:00 IST
The Dallas Wings dismissed head coach Chris Koclanes after a 10-34 season, even as rookie guard Paige Bueckers earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. General manager Curt Miller said the team needed new leadership as it prepares for the future with a new practice facility, three upcoming first-round draft picks, and hopes of long-term stability.
The Dallas Wings parted ways with its head coach, Chris Koclanes, after the team ended the season with 10-34. The Dallas Wings tied with the Chicago Sky for the worst record in the WNBA, even with the No. 1 overall pick, Paige Bueckers, who also received the rookie of the year award. Curt Miller, the general manager and executive vice president of the Dallas Wings, announced the move on Tuesday.
“As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization,” said Miller, who joined the organisation last year. Miller also added that the team is well-positioned to build something special and emphasised that the franchise needs a change as they are stepping into what he calls a “pivotal point.”
Koclanes began his tenure with the Wings this season, becoming the team's fifth head coach. He replaced Latricia Trammell, who served as the head coach for two years and compiled a 31-49 record during that time. Before joining Wings in 2023, Konclanes served as an assistant at South California and previously worked under Miller for six years with the Connecticut Sun, helping the team reach the WNBA finals twice, in 2019 and 2022.
The Dallas Wings had a rough 2025 season, having a 10-game losing streak in the midseason before defeating the Phoenix Mercury in their finale to avoid another 9-win season. However, Paige Bueckers, who was drafted by the Wings just eight days after she led UConn to its 12th NCAA championship title, went on to win the Rookie of the Year honors despite Dallas having a rocky season. She averaged 19.2 points with 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Even after missing out on eight games because of a concussion and later a sore knee, she scored 692 points and 194 assists, which is the third most by a WNBA rookie.
The Wings are building a new practice facility in Dallas, which is expected to open before next season, and will continue to play its home games at the University of Texas Arlington next season. Having three first-round picks in the next two drafts and Bueckers' generational talent, the wings are looking for the right leader who can ensure both stability and balance.
“As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization,” said Miller, who joined the organisation last year. Miller also added that the team is well-positioned to build something special and emphasised that the franchise needs a change as they are stepping into what he calls a “pivotal point.”
Koclanes began his tenure with the Wings this season, becoming the team's fifth head coach. He replaced Latricia Trammell, who served as the head coach for two years and compiled a 31-49 record during that time. Before joining Wings in 2023, Konclanes served as an assistant at South California and previously worked under Miller for six years with the Connecticut Sun, helping the team reach the WNBA finals twice, in 2019 and 2022.
The Dallas Wings had a rough 2025 season, having a 10-game losing streak in the midseason before defeating the Phoenix Mercury in their finale to avoid another 9-win season. However, Paige Bueckers, who was drafted by the Wings just eight days after she led UConn to its 12th NCAA championship title, went on to win the Rookie of the Year honors despite Dallas having a rocky season. She averaged 19.2 points with 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Even after missing out on eight games because of a concussion and later a sore knee, she scored 692 points and 194 assists, which is the third most by a WNBA rookie.
The Wings are building a new practice facility in Dallas, which is expected to open before next season, and will continue to play its home games at the University of Texas Arlington next season. Having three first-round picks in the next two drafts and Bueckers' generational talent, the wings are looking for the right leader who can ensure both stability and balance.