Why did the Chicago Sky fire head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after one season?

“You didn’t deserve this but I can’t thank you enough. I love you Tspoon.” Those were the words written in a heartfelt post by Chicago Sky rookie sensation, Angel Reese after she learned of her coach’s dismissal. Needless, to say Reese’s post points to the idea that not everyone was on board with the decision taken by the franchise.

Chicago Sky fire head coach Teresa Weatherspoon

The world of professional Sports is one in which there is little margin for error and even less patience. That was plain to see on Thursday after reports confirmed that the Chicago Sky decided to part ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one year. Weatherspoon was of course appointed as the team’s head coach in October 2023 as a replacement for James Wade, who left the team midseason in ‘23 to join the Toronto Raptors’ coaching staff in the NBA, and then-interim coach Emre Vatansever.

Where specifics are concerned, the first thing we can assume is that the Sky’s failure to make the 2024 WNBA playoffs had a significant part to play in the franchise’s choice to let her go. On the season the Sky posted a record of 13-27 which saw them miss the postseason for the first time since 2018. Indeed, it was the team’s worst winning percentage (.325) since 2006, the franchise’s first year in existence.

Understandably, this is a disappointing end to Weatherspoon’s brief tenure and one that is made all the more bitter by the fact that the WNBA icon and Hall of Famer, was widely regarded as the coach who would guide the Sky back to winning ways. Now, while one could argue that Weatherspoon was not given much leeway when it came to achieving that objective, there is a second contributing factor to consider and that is the comments of some players during their exit interviews.

It is understood that there was a degree of disconnect between Weatherspoon and the players, something that likely only served to seal her fate. Regardless, the Sky’s rebuild is now well and truly underway. After trading former Finals MVP Kahleah Cooper to the Phoenix Mercury, and moving on Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun at the trade deadline, it would be safe to say the winds of change are blowing in the Windy City. What that looks like going forward remains to be seen, but we do know that whatever comes, it will be with a new head coach.