USF's JoseF to Dallas Wings

[Vowelguy]

Wings are reportedly in hot pursuit of Fernandez. News expected soon.

Wow, Utah and FGCU (last year) and now USF losing their coaches just before the season. Big shift in pro vs college dynamics.

(via Mitchell Northam via SkimM)

 

[Vowelguy]

This good for Paige?
[I assume yes]

 

[YKCornelius]

Coach Fernandez just announced to USF Season Ticket holders at the season’s first open practice that he has handed over the reins to his Associate Head Coach.

 

[Vowelguy]

 

[BullDawg]

I’m at the USF open practice. It’s a done deal.

 

[Stagnant]

I think this would be a good hire. I have always considered him an elite college coach.

 

[BobbyJ]

At only 53 he's probably still young enough to get another college job if he's out after a year or two in Dallas. He'd better get a 5 year guaranteed deal.

 

[Blakeon18]

That's an interesting hire. My bet is that Geno approves...and that maybe he made the
recommendation to Dallas. Further bet is that it's a good hire for the team and for its
best player.

 

[CTBballfan243]

I am sure Dallas kicked the tires on Geno to gage his interest as well.

 

[EricLA]

Wow. I think this is a great move for Dallas, and for Paige. Now if they could just get a competitive roster... 😁😁

 

[Vowelguy]

But all these college kids who keep losing their coach on the cusp of the season. Sucks for them.

 

[nickp91]

Fernandez built USF from the ground up Lot of challenges with various conference realignments but they kept winning

 

[Sifaka]

Dallas Wings expected to hire longtime college coach to lead Paige Bueckers and co.

The Dallas Wings are expected to hire Jose Fernandez as their next head coach to lead a core featuring Paige Bueckers.

www.sbnation.com

 

[msf22b]

This has Geno written all over it

 

[Hayven]

This has Geno written all over it

They finally called and spoke to him about Paige

 

[Urshurak]

I think that's a great choice!

 

[Blue Huskie]

I think he can lift that team up. I like his coaching style.

 

[Vowelguy]

This has Geno written all over it

Perhaps, but not the conclusion I would draw.

 

[Jackalope]

Jose has always done well recruiting and coaching international players, as well as coaching in USA Basketball. Dallas has a couple (Li Yueru, Luisa Geiselsöder), and his experience in these areas will certainly help. It could also be beneficial in attracting international free agents.

 

[CL82]

I’m at the USF open practice. It’s a done deal.

Wow. I certainly didn't see this coming. I feel bad for you guys, but I am glad that the coaching situation will be resolved in Dallas.

 

[BullDawg]

Wow. I certainly didn't see this coming. I feel bad for you guys, but I am glad that the coaching situation will be resolved in Dallas.

It will be a difficult season without Jose.

 

[Doctor G]

Great choice by Dallas, great opportunity for Jose - a talented coach who has rarely had the chance to coach extraordinary players. Dallas is poised to build around Paige and has the dollars and draft picks to do so quickly. Jose and Dallas are going to surprise a lot of pundits and opponents next year.

 

[topogigio]

Great hire, great coach. Jose could only go so far with USF, and he did all he could do. Movin' on up...

 

[bballnut90]

Interesting hire. A few thoughts on this:

1. I think it’s likely a solid upgrade from Koclanes.

2. Friendship or ties between Fernandez and Geno, plus with Geno’s public commentary lately I wouldn’t be surprised if he played a big part in making this happen.

3. Tough loss for USF team to have their coach bail at the start of the season. Curious to see how that pans out for their season.

4. For Fernandez, I think this is a very risky endeavor unless he got a massive salary boost or several years guaranteed (not sure if such a thing exists in the pros). He’s well paid (800k/year) and was on contract through 2029. The WNBA has to be the least stable job environment out there considering all but two franchises have new coaches in the last 2-3 seasons. I get the appeal though of wanting a new challenge, he’s done about as much as he can at USF and will have an opportunity to coach elite players in the pros.

5. College coaches directly leaving for the pros, what’s the track record there? Not the best as far as I’m aware:
-Carolyn Peck won with Purdue and then struggled in the pros.

-Pokey Chatman didn’t move directly to the pros but had a great run at LSU and limited success in the pros

-Lynne Roberts is only one year in but LA had a tough season

-Stephanie White has been great but was is known to be a pro coach rather than a collegiate one

-Karl Smesko had a great first year in the pros. His experience coming from a mid major in 2024 might be the best parallel

I guess time will tell here. But moral of the story, finding success and sticking in the WNBA is HARD for coaches to do.

6. This is my own preference, but for a league that’s so pro-women and women first, it’d be nice if they hired more women coaches. Especially considering the NBA never hires female head coaches. I’m all for hiring the best candidate but I think there are probably some good women being overlooked for these roles. Especially when considering that the best coaches in the league right now are all women (Hammon, Reeve, Nakase, and White).

 

[Vowelguy]

5. College coaches directly leaving for the pros, what’s the track record there? Not the best as far as I’m aware:
-Carolyn Peck won with Purdue and then struggled in the pros.

-Pokey Chatman didn’t move directly to the pros but had a great run at LSU and limited success in the pros

-Lynne Roberts is only one year in but LA had a tough season

-Stephanie White has been great but was is known to be a pro coach rather than a collegiate one

I guess time will tell here.

big omission: You forgot about Smesko and Atlanta, who was very successful in year 1