Liberty Fire Coach After WNBA Championship
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA, the New York Liberty have parted ways with head coach Sandy Brondello just one season after she led the team to a championship. The franchise announced on Tuesday that it will not renew her contract, ending her tenure as the most successful coach in the team's history.
A Wild Ride in New York
Brondello, who joined the Liberty in 2022, had a resume that spoke for itself. She led the team to back-to-back Finals appearances and won the franchise’s first-ever WNBA championship in a thrilling five-game series over the Minnesota Lynx. But despite the success, the team struggled with injuries this season, finishing with an 18-17 record after a hot 9-0 start. The team was then eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by the Phoenix Mercury.
After the championship, Brondello was given a one-year contract extension, a move that now seems baffling in light of the team's subsequent decision. Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb thanked Brondello for her "everlasting impact" on the franchise. However, the move still feels a bit cold, especially since Brondello was largely beloved by the players and support staff.
A Team in Turmoil
Injuries played a major role in the Liberty’s struggles this season, with stars Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart each missing 13 regular-season games. Brondello tried to make the most of the situation, but the team's lack of consistency was too much to overcome.
Despite the struggles, Stewart voiced her support for Brondello, saying, "She has our back, and we have hers." The sentiment from the team's star players was clear, but it seems the front office had other plans.
With the Liberty now looking for a new coach, the future of the franchise is a bit of a question mark. Brondello's departure is the second coaching change announced this offseason, as the Seattle Storm also announced they would not be renewing their coach’s contract. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are also in the market for new head coaches. It's clear that the coaching carousel is spinning, and it's a wild ride that is sure to continue.
