UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma has expressed praise regarding the Dallas Wings’ decision to appoint Jose Fernandez as Paige Bueckers’ new head coach. Auriemma, who has long guided Bueckers’ development, offered a rare and candid perspective on how this coaching move could influence her early WNBA journey.
Geno Auriemma’s Real Thoughts on Jose Fernandez Leading Paige Bueckers in Dallas
Auriemma didn’t hold back his feelings about the Dallas Wings naming Jose Fernandez as their next head coach. Having known Fernandez for decades, Auriemma described him as both a close friend and one of the sharpest minds in basketball.
“I’ve always thought he’s one of the best coaches in all of college basketball,” Auriemma said, praising the Wings’ decision to bring him aboard.
Coach Geno Auriemma had high praise for the Dallas Wings hiring of Jose Fernandez as their new head coach:
“I’ve always thought he’s one of the best coaches in all of college basketball.” pic.twitter.com/HwRhzNFz76
— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) October 31, 2025
Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Auriemma recalled meeting Fernandez years ago when he first took over at South Florida.
“We’ve been friends ever since,” he said. “Getting ready to play them is different than most any other team that you play, simply because of first, their international presence. Second, he’s able to coach them a little bit differently because of their experience playing over there.”
Auriemma believes those qualities will translate well to the WNBA.
“That’s why I think he would be great in Dallas, because he’ll bring some international players over,” he said. “He’s very sophisticated in stuff that he does, which fits in well with what’s happening and what’s going to happen in that league.”
The veteran coach expressed genuine happiness for both Fernandez and his former star, Paige Bueckers, who will now play under him. “I’m really happy for him. I’m thrilled for him. I’m happy for Paige.”
Auriemma added that he expects to see Fernandez soon to “pick his brain” and share thoughts about Bueckers. “I’ll be glowing,” he added with a smile.
Fernandez’s influence in basketball reaches far past his college coaching career. Earlier this year, he started a two-year tenure as president of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), underscoring his standing in the game. Around that time, Auriemma commended him publicly, saying:
“I think he’s a tremendous coach, obviously, as everybody knows, but he cares deeply about the game itself. He puts in the time and effort.”
Back on Oct. 21, Auriemma also spoke about Bueckers’ role in Dallas’ coaching search following the team’s decision to part ways with Chris Koclanes. He shared advice he’d given her directly:
“A great player can play for any coach, if they want to. Now, if they get a coach that doesn’t believe and doesn’t have a collaboration with Paige, then that would be a difficult journey.”
He emphasized the importance of mutual trust between a star and their coach. As the Wings prepare for their 2026 season, all eyes will be on how Bueckers and Fernandez connect. Auriemma’s optimism suggests he expects that partnership to thrive under Fernandez’s leadership.