Jose Fernandez set to become Dallas Wings head coach after 25 successful years at USF
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL NEW | Oct 25, 2025, 00:23 IST
After 25 Years at USF, Jose Fernandez Set to Lead the Dallas Wings
( Image credit : AP )
The Dallas Wings are finalizing a deal to hire longtime USF coach Jose Fernandez as their new head coach, according to sources. Fernandez, who led USF to 10 NCAA tournaments in 25 years, replaces Chris Koclanes after a disappointing season. The Wings hope his experience brings the stability and success they’ve lacked in recent years.
The Dallas Wings are planning to hire Jose Fernandez, who previously coached the women’s basketball program at the University of South Florida, as the head coach of the Wings this season. There is no official statement released yet and Fernandez and team are in ongoing discussion regarding finalising the contract details, said an insider to the Associated Press on Thursday.
Fernandez was recruited by the University of South Florida as the head coach in 2000 just seven months after joining the staff as an assistant. He spent 25 years coaching the women’s team at the USF leading them to 10 NCAA tournament appearances and 12 seasons with 20 or more wins. Under his leadership, nine players were drafted or signed by WNBA teams.
USF released a statement in which Rob Higgins, CEO of USF athletics, said “Over the past 25 years, Jose has been an exceptional leader, mentor and advocate for the University of South Florida,” he added, “His impact on USF athletics and our university community is profound, and his legacy will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.” Following the resignation of Fernandez, the Bulls have appointed Michele Woods-Baxter as the interim coach.
Fernandez, 53, is the fifth coach in the last seven seasons for the wings and will fill in the spot of Chris Koclanes who recently got fired after one season. The Wings tied with the Chicago Sky for the worst record this season despite drafting the number one pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
Fernandez was also a prospect for the head coach position last year. Curt Miller who was appointed as the GM of the Dallas Wings last year hired Koclanes since both worked together at the Connecticut Sun and took the team to 2019 and 2022 finals.
The Dallas Wings haven’t made it to the postseason for two consecutive years despite having high draft picks and a talented roster. The wings have the chance to win the upcoming draft lottery and pick up another top-tier prospect.
The Dallas Wings are heading into a new era with Fernandez as the coach and a talented roster hoping that Fernandez can bring in the stability and consistency that the Wings have struggled to find.
Fernandez was recruited by the University of South Florida as the head coach in 2000 just seven months after joining the staff as an assistant. He spent 25 years coaching the women’s team at the USF leading them to 10 NCAA tournament appearances and 12 seasons with 20 or more wins. Under his leadership, nine players were drafted or signed by WNBA teams.
USF released a statement in which Rob Higgins, CEO of USF athletics, said “Over the past 25 years, Jose has been an exceptional leader, mentor and advocate for the University of South Florida,” he added, “His impact on USF athletics and our university community is profound, and his legacy will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.” Following the resignation of Fernandez, the Bulls have appointed Michele Woods-Baxter as the interim coach.
Fernandez, 53, is the fifth coach in the last seven seasons for the wings and will fill in the spot of Chris Koclanes who recently got fired after one season. The Wings tied with the Chicago Sky for the worst record this season despite drafting the number one pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
Fernandez was also a prospect for the head coach position last year. Curt Miller who was appointed as the GM of the Dallas Wings last year hired Koclanes since both worked together at the Connecticut Sun and took the team to 2019 and 2022 finals.
The Dallas Wings haven’t made it to the postseason for two consecutive years despite having high draft picks and a talented roster. The wings have the chance to win the upcoming draft lottery and pick up another top-tier prospect.
The Dallas Wings are heading into a new era with Fernandez as the coach and a talented roster hoping that Fernandez can bring in the stability and consistency that the Wings have struggled to find.