New York Liberty Fires WNBA Championship Coach Begins Head Coach Search

The New York Liberty have fired head coach Sandy Brondello less than a year after she led them to the 2024 WNBA championship, citing the need for a more adaptable and innovative approach to the modern league. The team is now aggressively searching for a high-profile replacement, considering candidates from both the NBA and NCAA, aiming to meet the high expectations set by their star players Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, who are entering free agency. Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized the "earned pressure" and privilege of working in New York, signaling the franchise's desire for a coach who can handle the demands of a win-now environment. Despite Brondello’s impressive overall record and past success, injuries and a disappointing 2025 playoff exit contributed to the decision. Potential coaching candidates include established WNBA coaches like Stephanie White, as well as rising assistants and college coaches such as Oregon's Dana Altman (linked through former players). The Liberty's move reflects a broader trend in the WNBA toward quicker coaching turnovers and a push for fresh leadership to sustain championship-level performance.