Dallas Wings Welcome Chris Koclanes as New Head Coach

Up, Up, and Away: Dallas Wings Welcome Chris Koclanes

by: D’Joumbarey A. Moreau

Arlington, TX – The Dallas Wings are embracing a new era of basketball. First with the hiring of their general manager Curt Miller. Now with the appointment of Chris Koclanes as their head coach. Koclanes who is known for his defensive acumen and a strong focus on player development, Koclanes brings over a decade of experience from the WNBA and Division I women’s basketball. His last tenure was working with the USC Trojans and their superstar guard, Juju Watkins. Now moving forward, the newly appointed head coach promises to build a foundation of championship culture for the Wings, both on the court and within the community.

A formal press conference introducing Koclanes will take place on January 9th at Reunion Tower in Dallas, with more details to follow.

A Vision for Growth and Success

Curt Miller, the Wings’ Executive Vice President and General Manager, has had previous work history with Koclanes as they both shared time together working on the Connecticut Sun coaching staff together. Miller expressed his excitement about Koclanes’ arrival in Dallas.

“Chris embodies the values of connection, collaboration, and positive communication. His basketball IQ, dedication to player development, and innovative approach make him the ideal candidate to lead this franchise into its next chapter. With a new arena, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, the future is bright for the Dallas Wings.”

Miller highlighted that Koclanes’ alignment with the Wings’ commitment to community impact and off-the-court development further solidifies him as the perfect fit for the role.

Proven Experience

Koclanes most recently served as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California (USC), where he helped lead the Trojans to the Elite Eight for the first time in three decades. Under his guidance, USC achieved its highest national ranking since 1985, with star players like JuJu Watkins, shining on the court.

Before his return to college basketball, Koclanes made waves in the WNBA. In 2023, he served as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Sparks, where his strategies helped the team rank third in defensive scoring while leading the league in steals and opponent turnovers. His tenure with the Connecticut Sun from 2016-2022 included two trips to the WNBA Finals and top-tier defensive performances year after year.

Koclanes Speaks

“I am deeply honored to lead the Dallas Wings,” said Koclanes. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by the Wings organization and excited to help elevate this team to new heights. Together, we’ll create a sustainable championship culture that inspires both our players and the Dallas community.”

A Bright Horizon

Koclanes’ appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Dallas Wings, as the organization gears up for monumental milestones, including the new practice facility and arena. With a visionary coach at the helm and a strong roster ready to grow, the Wings are set to make their mark in the WNBA.