The Dallas Wings are once again heading into a new chapter after making another coaching change. On Tuesday, the organization dismissed Chris Koclanes after just one season in charge.
The bold move ended a tenure that proved short and frustrating despite the arrival of top rookie Paige Bueckers.
Dallas Wings Fire Chris Koclanes After an Abysmal Season
Koclanes’ lone year with Dallas ended in a 10-34 record, tied with the Chicago Sky for the WNBA’s worst. Even with Bueckers winning Rookie of the Year after a historic debut campaign, the Wings stumbled early, beginning 1-11, and later endured a 10-game losing streak. The poor results left ownership with little choice.
The move is bold, but it focuses on a familiar reset for the organization, which has cycled through five coaches in the last seven seasons.
Wings executive vice president and general manager Curt Miller issued an official statement after making this move.
“On behalf of the Dallas Wings, I want to thank Chris for his many and immediate contributions to the organization this past season,” Miller said in his statement. “With new team facilities being built, a youthful roster under contract, and the rights to three first-round draft selections over the next two seasons, including a lottery pick in 2026, the Wings are well-positioned for future success.
“As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization. The Dallas Wings remain dedicated to their pursuit of WNBA Championships and building upon the strong culture established on and off the court.”
What All Went Wrong With Koclanes’ First Stint With Wings?
The Wings’ struggles were especially glaring given Bueckers had a breakout season. Drafted No. 1 overall in April, the rookie guard averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while shooting nearly 48 percent from the field.
Despite missing eight games due to injury and illness, she set multiple records and received 70 of 72 votes for Rookie of the Year.
Her performance was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season marred by injuries. Wings were left without depth and consistency somewhere in the middle. Veterans like Arike Ogunbowale forced Dallas to sign players’ hardship contracts just to meet minimum roster requirements.
Dallas cycled through 18 different starting lineups, a reflection of how unsettled the roster remained. Notable midseason trades saw DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith move out, leaving the team scrambling for chemistry. On defense, the Wings ranked near the bottom of the league, surrendering 88 points per game.
The Dallas Wings has announced that Head Coach Chris Koclanes’ contract will not be renewed for the 2026 season, per @UnderdogWNBA #WNBANews pic.twitter.com/IXZeVU7ZHl
— Prime Report Hoops (@Prime_Reports) October 1, 2025
The instability only compounded the sense of frustration. Fans began voicing their displeasure as the season dragged on, and whispers grew louder about whether Koclanes was the right fit. Tuesday’s announcement confirmed that management agreed with those doubts.
What Lies Ahead for the Wings?
Despite another failed coaching experiment, there is optimism in Dallas. The franchise recently broke ground on a $55 million practice facility and holds three first-round picks over the next two years, including a lottery selection in 2026. With Bueckers as a franchise cornerstone, the Wings have the talent and draft capital to rebuild quickly.
Still, the coaching carousel continues. Dallas will now search for its new coach in eight years, a sobering reminder that consistency at the top has been elusive. For the Wings to truly turn the corner, their next hire must deliver where Koclanes fell short.
And as for fans and players, this is a strong decision that focuses on both the urgency and uncertainty surrounding Dallas’ future as they continue searching for a stable foundation.
