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The 2024 WNBA Playoffs are underway, but the Chicago Sky are already making headlines for a different reason: the team has fired coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one season. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing season that saw the Sky finish with a 13-27 record, leaving them third from the bottom of the league, just two games shy of a playoff spot.
Why did the Chicago Sky fire first-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon?
While the Sky entered the season without high expectations—especially after trading All-Star Kahleah Copper—the team’s performance significantly deteriorated throughout the year. They ended the season with a dismal 2-12 record over their last 14 games, struggling both with and without rookie sensation Angel Reese.
Reese suffered a season-ending wrist injury in early September during a win against the Sparks, but the team was already on a downward spiral, having lost seven straight games prior to her injury. Despite the promise shown by Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso, who returned from a shoulder injury, the Sky could not find their footing. The team ranked 11th out of 12 in field goal percentage, relying heavily on their rebounding, largely due to Reese’s league-leading 13.1 rebounds per game.
With another highly-touted rookie expected to join in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Sky are looking to turn a new leaf under a different coach who can help develop their young core into a competitive team.
Angel Reese’s Response
Reese took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her feelings about Weatherspoon’s firing. Her heartfelt message conveyed a deep sense of loss, stating, “I’m heartbroken. I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life.” She emphasized the challenging nature of Weatherspoon’s job and acknowledged the bond they formed during their short time together.
Reese, who emerged as a standout player for the Sky, noted, “I came to Chicago because of YOU. You were an unsung hero in my life. We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever.” She strongly asserted that Weatherspoon “didn’t deserve this,” highlighting the positive impact the coach had on her career.
While Weatherspoon’s tenure was brief, her experience as a former NBA assistant and college head coach suggests she may find new opportunities in coaching. The Sky now face the challenge of hiring a new coach who can effectively harness the potential of their young talent and work towards building a more successful season in 2025. The decision to move forward without Weatherspoon marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as they seek to redefine their path in the WNBA.