Chris Koclanes has previously worked as an assistant coach in the WNBA and Division I women’s basketball, the Dallas Wings said in the release.
DALLAS — The Dallas Wings hired a new head coach, Chris Koclanes, to lead the franchise.
The Dallas Wings announced the hire in a press release Monday. Koclanes has previously worked as an assistant coach in the WNBA and Division I women’s basketball, the Dallas Wings said in the release. He is currently in his second season as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California, the release states.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Koclanes as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings,” Curt Miller, executive vice president and general manager, said in a release. “Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars.”
Miller describes Koclanes as a servant leader, teacher of the game and committed to player development, the release states.
Koclanes will take over amid a watershed moment for the Dallas Wings. The team is preparing to play in a new arena, practice in a state-of-the-art facility and enjoy the first pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings,” Koclanes said in a release. “I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community.”
While working as an assistant coach at USC, the team advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in 30 years. The Trojans are a combined 40-7 in two seasons with Koclanes as an assistant coach.
Before coaching at USC, Koclanes spent eight seasons in the WNBA, serving as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023. That season, the Sparks led the league in steals and opponent turnovers.
Koclanes also coached for the Connecticut Sun, serving as defensive coordinator and helping the Sun reach the 2019 and 2022 WNBA Finals.
A press conference to welcome Koclanes is scheduled for Jan. 9, the team said.