Wings hire Chris Koclanes as head coach
The Dallas Wings announced Monday they're hiring USC assistant Chris Koclanes to be their head coach.
Koclanes is in his second season with USC, where he has been a development coach and defensive assistant for the projected No. 1 pick in the 2027 draft, JuJu Watkins. Koclanes spent eight years as an assistant in the WNBA before joining Lindsay Gottlieb's Trojans staff.
Koclanes is familiar with general manager Curt Miller, having worked under him as a defensive coordinator with the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks. The Wings hired Miller in November.
"Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars," Miller said in a statement.
Between 2019 and '23, seven players combined for 12 WNBA All-Defensive team nominations while working with Koclanes.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings," Koclanes said. He added: "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."
Dallas possesses the No. 1 pick in 2025 after going 9-31 and missing the postseason for the first time since 2020.