The Dallas Wings have officially announced the hiring of Chris Koclanes as their new head coach. Koclanes, who was midway through his second season as an assistant with the USC women’s basketball team, will now reunite with Curt Miller, the Wings’ general manager. Miller had previously worked with Koclanes on the coaching staff of the Connecticut Sun.
Miller spoke highly of Koclanes, praising his leadership and teaching abilities. "Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars," Miller said. "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."
Wings' Struggles and New Opportunities
The Dallas Wings franchise has struggled to find consistent success since their relocation to Dallas in 2016. Despite a winning season in 2023 under head coach Latricia Trammell, the team experienced a significant decline in 2024, finishing with a disappointing 9-25 record. This led to the decision to part ways with Trammell. However, Miller remains optimistic about the future of the team.
“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,” Miller shared.
The Importance of the 2025 Draft
One of the most significant opportunities for the Wings is the 2025 WNBA Draft, where they are in a prime position to select the first overall pick. This could potentially be UConn’s Paige Bueckers, a 6’0” guard who has shown exceptional talent throughout her senior season. Averaging 20.8 points per game on 56.3 percent shooting, along with 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 steals, Bueckers is considered a potential generational talent capable of making an immediate impact on any team.
Roster Changes and Free Agency Concerns
The Wings face critical decisions in free agency as key players such as Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard will be testing the market. Arike Ogunbowale will also become a free agent in 2026, along with many other top WNBA players. While the future of these players remains uncertain, the addition of Bueckers will provide a strong foundation for the team to build on in the coming years.
A Fresh Start with Flexibility
Miller, who joined the Wings’ front office prior to knowing the team’s first-round draft position, is confident that he has enough flexibility to reshape the roster as needed. Whether or not Sabally and Ogunbowale remain with the team, Bueckers will undoubtedly be a key piece moving forward, offering both Miller and Koclanes the chance to develop a new competitive identity for the Wings.