The Dallas Wings are pressing reset once again. The organization announced Tuesday that head coach Chris Koclanes has been relieved of his duties after just one season in charge, ending a turbulent campaign that saw the team finish tied for the leagueâs worst record at 10-34.
âOn behalf of the Dallas Wings, I want to thank Chris for his many and immediate contributions to the organization this past season,â said Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller in a statement.
âWith 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 teamâs future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization.â
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately, marking the next step in what has become a pivotal offseason for a franchise desperate to stabilize.
A Year to Forget
GettyKoclanesâ tenure was marked by losing streaks and one of the leagueâs lowest-ranked offenses before the team decided to move on.
Koclanesâ tenure was marked by long losing streaks and statistical struggles that underscored Dallasâ inability to establish any consistent identity. The Wings dropped 10 of their first 11 games to start the season and closed by losing 10 of their final 11 before salvaging the finale with a win at Phoenix.
The record was just part of the problem. Dallas finished with the fifth-worst scoring offense in the WNBA at 81.7 points per game, the second-worst three-point percentage (30.2), and the third-worst point differential (-6.2).
On the defensive side, the issues were just as glaring. The Wings allowed 88.0 points per gameâsecond-most in the league and only slightly better than the Los Angeles Sparks.
Injuries added to the chaos. Not a single Wings player appeared in all 44 games, and the roster collectively missed well over 100 games due to injury or absence.
The team was forced into multiple hardship contracts simply to meet the leagueâs minimum eight-player requirement. Four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, still the teamâs veteran anchor, played in just 29 contests because of a right knee issue.
A Cornerstone Amid the Chaos
GettyPaige Bueckersâ historic rookie season was the silver lining for a Wings team that struggled to stay competitive.
If there was a silver lining to the Wingsâ season, it was the immediate emergence of rookie guard Paige Bueckers.
The No. 1 overall pick delivered one of the best debut campaigns in league history, averaging 19.2 points on 47.7% shooting with 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Bueckers was the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year, earning 70 of 72 media votes, and was also named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year.
Even in a season where Dallas tied Chicago for the WNBAâs worst record, Bueckers was a nightly reminder that the Wingsâ future may already have its franchise centerpiece in place.
What Comes Next
GettyWith three first-round picks across the next two drafts, Dallas is positioned to add talent alongside Bueckers.
That future will hinge on both health and the draft. Dallas owns three first-round selections across the next two seasons and enters the 2026 WNBA Draft lottery with the leagueâs best oddsâ40%âto secure the No. 1 pick.
While the date of the lottery remains uncertain amid ongoing labor disputes between the WNBA and WNBPA, the Wings have a legitimate shot to land a frontcourt partner to pair with Bueckers.
The new coach will inherit a franchise at a crossroads: one with a foundational star, a high lottery probability, and new facilities on the wayâbut also a history of instability and unmet expectations.
For Koclanes, his single season in Dallas will be remembered as one of frustration. For the Wings, the move signals a renewed urgency to build around their rookie star and finally translate potential into postseason relevance.
The search begins now.
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