Alexa Philippou, ESPN
An enormous shakeup within the Washington Mystics group was introduced Wednesday, because the franchise mentioned it has “mutually agreed to half methods” with basic supervisor Mike Thibault and head coach Eric Thibault.
“After in depth reflection and dialog, we now have determined we’re at some extent in our aggressive and evolutionary cycle to show the staff over to new management with a renewed imaginative and prescient to carve our path into the way forward for WNBA basketball,” Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger mentioned in a press release.
Mike Thibault, the winningest coach in league historical past with 379 profession wins, first joined the group as the overall supervisor and head coach forward of the 2013 season, in the end main the Mystics to their franchise-first championship in 2019. Underneath Mike, the Mystics made eight postseason appearances, together with back-to-back Finals runs in 2018 and 2019.
Previous to his time in Washington, Mike had in depth teaching expertise within the NBA, World Basketball League and Continental Basketball Affiliation, beginning within the WNBA as the top coach of the Connecticut Solar (2003-2012). He has additionally in depth teaching expertise with USA Basketball, most not too long ago serving as an assistant on Cheryl Reeve’s employees for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Coach Mike elevated the Mystics program to its proud standing as a league chief in innovation, the usual bearer in participant care, and a mannequin franchise,” Winger mentioned. “He constructed and coached the Championship staff, developed excessive performing gamers, and pioneered most of the processes groups use at present in constructing rosters and organizations. His fingerprints are throughout this franchise and can be for years to come back. We’re grateful for Mike’s dedication, ardour, and management and need him nicely.”
Mike stayed on as the overall supervisor however stepped away from teaching after the 2022 season, with Eric — his longtime assistant/affiliate head coach and son — taking his place.
Eric went 33-47 in his two years on the helm, the place the staff skilled a litany of accidents each seasons, however managed a playoff look in 2023. With Natasha Cloud signing with Phoenix and Elena Delle Donne sitting out the 2024 season, it felt clear that Washington had entered a rebuilding period. Even nonetheless, they had been one recreation out of constructing the 2024 playoffs, in the end ending ninth within the standings.
“Coach Eric is a talented coach and equally proficient motivator,” Winger mentioned. “Our gamers are lucky to have performed for Eric these previous two seasons, as will many different gamers on this league for many years forward.”
The Mystics have a ten.4% likelihood of incomes the No. 1 choose in subsequent month’s 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery (Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. ET). The enlargement draft for the Golden State Valkyries will quickly after happen on Dec. 6.
All 4 draft lottery groups — the Mystics, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks — are presently and not using a head coach, with the Wings and Mystics additionally in search of a basic supervisor. There’s a fifth head teaching emptiness from the Atlanta Dream, who had been the ultimate staff to make the playoffs.
