Dallas Wings Near Jose Fernandez Hiring After Worst WNBA Season

Paige Bueckers enjoyed a historic 2025 rookie season—earning WNBA Rookie of the Year, AP Rookie of the Year, AP All-Rookie Team and All-WNBA Second Team honors while finishing top-10 league-wide in scoring (5th, 19.2), assists (9th, 5.4) and steals (6th, 1.6). Despite her breakout, the Dallas Wings finished tied for the league-worst record (10-34), prompting the franchise to fire head coach Chris Koclanes and begin an urgent coaching search. Reports say USF’s Jose Fernandez is the frontrunner to replace Koclanes and could be finalized soon. Broadcasters and influential voices—NBC’s Michael Grady and UConn’s Geno Auriemma—have urged the Wings to assemble the right coach and supporting roster around Bueckers, with Auriemma suggesting she should have input in the search. Dallas also faces consequential roster decisions this offseason (including pending free agents like Arike Ogunbowale and Li Yueru) as it seeks pieces to maximize Bueckers’ ceiling. Off the court, girlfriend and former teammate Azzi Fudd praised Bueckers’ leadership, attention to detail and personal growth amid the team’s transition.