Longtime USF head coach Jose Fernandez is expected to be named the next head coach of the Dallas Wings, as first reported by college basketball insider Skim Milkey and SB Nation’s Mitchell Northam.
While Fernandez has yet to sign a contract, he and the organization are expected to agree to a deal with multiple guaranteed years. Reported as a candidate for the position, he will be Dallas’ fifth head coach in the last seven seasons, assuming the position with the pressure to turn the Wings into a team that amplifies the talents of Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
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Fernandez had been in charge at USF since 2000, taking the Bulls to 10 NCAA Tournaments as he established South Florida as one of the strongest mid-major programs. His jump to the WNBA sideline resembles the moves made by Karl Smesko and Lynne Roberts last offseason, when the former FGCU and Utah head coaches were lured to the W by the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks, respectively, after building consistent, successful collegiate programs.
The Wings’ decision on Fernandez follows recent reporting that the Toronto Tempo will hire Sandy Brondello as the franchise’s first head coach. After the Portland Fire filled their inaugural head coach opening with Alex Sarama, the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm are the only WNBA organizations without head coaches.
