Liberty basic supervisor Jonathan Kolb stated the Liberty determined to fireplace coach Sandy Brondello this week after a “thorough examination” that went past this season.
Talking to reporters Thursday morning for the primary time because the firing, Kolb stated the choice to dump Brondello was not “punitive nor reactive.”
“Evolution is what is required right now,” Kolb stated.
The Liberty fired Brondello, the winningest coach within the franchise's historical past, on Tuesday after a title protection that fell properly wanting expectations.
The Liberty signed Brondello to a two-year contract extension, with a crew choice for 2026, after the Liberty gained the title final season, sources informed The Submit.
The Liberty bought off to a franchise-best begin, profitable 9 straight video games, solely to stumble over the subsequent three months to complete in fifth place.
New York embraced being the underdog, however had been bounced within the first spherical of the playoffs by the Phoenix Mercury on Sept. 19.
Moments after the painful Recreation 3 loss in Phoenix, Brondello stated the group was “very disillusioned” within the end result, however she “couldn't be extra proud” of her gamers.
A number of of the Liberty's star gamers voiced help for his or her coach, too.
Requested what her response could be to individuals who query whether or not Brondello needs to be again in 2026, Breanna Stewart stated, “The way in which that she continued to type of, I don't know, cope with the playing cards she was dealt was unimaginable. It wasn't straightforward for anyone. However she got here in day-after-day with a constructive angle and a mindset to place us in our greatest place doable and greatest foot ahead… She has our again and we have now hers.”
The seek for Brondello's alternative is on. A number of sources stated that the Liberty are focusing on a coach with NBA expertise.
Kolb stated the crew has a “very clear imaginative and prescient” of what they're on the lookout for in a brand new coach.
And he expects the brand new coach to have the crew's core intact.
“I've the utmost confidence that [Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones] need to be again,” Kolb stated.
This can be a growing story. Test again for updates.
