The New York Liberty Hire Chris DeMarco as Head Coach
The New York Liberty have tapped into the talent pool of NBA coaching by hiring Chris DeMarco, previously an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, as their new head coach. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, this marks a significant step for the Liberty as they aim for championship success in the WNBA. DeMarco comes with an impressive pedigree, boasting four championship victories during his tenure with the Warriors which spans over a decade.
DeMarco’s Coaching Journey
Starting out as a video coordinator under Mark Jackson, DeMarco became a vital part of the coaching staff when Steve Kerr took the reins and has progressively taken on more responsibilities, notably functioning as a primary defensive strategist in recent years. Additionally, he has honed his coaching skills by leading the Bahamas men’s national team.
Transition and Challenges Ahead
DeMarco succeeds Sandy Brondello, who led the Liberty to a WNBA Championship in 2024. Despite a strong start with a record of 9-0 in the previous season, injuries to key players such as Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart derailed the team’s momentum, resulting in a .500 finish and an early exit in the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury, who were finalists that year. Brondello has expressed concerns regarding a misalignment between her approach and the priorities of the Liberty’s management.
As DeMarco takes charge, he faces the challenge of reviving a team with championship aspirations, contingent upon the retention of star players, all of whom apart from Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are free agents. With the new collective bargaining agreement looming, the Liberty have maintained some strategic flexibility but must navigate the inherent risks that come with it.
Conclusion
This pivotal hiring marks another instance of NBA coaches transitioning to the WNBA, reflecting a growing interchange between the two leagues.
