Dallas Wings name new head coach
The Dallas Wings named Chris Koclanes as their new head coach on Monday.
He will be officially introduced during a press confernce on Jan. 9.
Koclanes is currently an assistant coach for the University of Southern California. The Trojans are 11-1 and one of the top-ranked teams in the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Koclanes as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller. “Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars. He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches. Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.
“In addition to his proven on-court skill, Chris possesses values that align perfectly with the Dallas Wings, including a shared focus on positively impacting the community and developing our players off the court. There are so many incredible things on the horizon for this franchise, including a new arena, a state-of-the-art practice facility and the opportunity to select No. 1 overall in the upcoming WNBA Draft, and we are confident Chris is the right person to lead this team into a new era of Dallas Wings basketball.”
Koclanes previously coached in the WNBA as an assistant with the Los Angeles Sparks.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings,” said Koclanes. “I would like to thank Chairman Bill Cameron, CEO and Managing Partner Greg Bibb and General Manager Curt Miller for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility. I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community. I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”
Before heading to LA, Koclanes was a key part of the Connecticut Sun staff from 2016-22. He began his WNBA career as video coordinator in 2016, while maintaining that responsibility with USC as well, before being promoted to assistant coach in 2019. Koclanes served as defensive coordinator and helped the Sun reach the 2019 and 2022 WNBA Finals as well as the 2020 and 2021 Semifinals.
The Dallas Wings media staff contributed to this report.