Coaches Who Changed the Game: Top WNBA Coaches of All Time
Behind every great WNBA team is a visionary coach—someone who not only strategizes wins but also shapes the culture, confidence, and cohesion of the players. The league has seen no shortage of remarkable coaches who’ve broken barriers, built dynasties, and left a lasting mark on the sport. In this article, we celebrate the top WNBA coaches of all time—those who didn’t just win games, but changed the game.
1. Van Chancellor – The Architect of the First Dynasty
No list of legendary WNBA coaches is complete without Van Chancellor. As the head coach of the Houston Comets from 1997 to 2006, Chancellor led the team to an unprecedented four consecutive WNBA Championships (1997–2000). He was named WNBA Coach of the Year three times and was known for building a system around stars like Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson. Chancellor’s leadership helped launch the league with credibility, dominance, and professionalism.
2. Cheryl Reeve – A Culture of Consistency and Class
Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, is one of the most successful and respected coaches in WNBA history. Under her leadership, the Lynx have won four WNBA Championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and appeared in six Finals. Reeve is known for her tactical brilliance and her ability to empower players like Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, and Sylvia Fowles. Beyond her wins, she’s a strong advocate for women in sports leadership and serves as the current President of Basketball Operations for the Lynx.
3. Mike Thibault – Master of the Long Game
Mike Thibault holds the record for the most coaching wins in WNBA history. He began his WNBA coaching career with the Connecticut Sun and later took over the Washington Mystics. Thibault guided the Mystics to their first-ever WNBA Championship in 2019, capping off a career defined by smart roster building and long-term player development. Thibault is widely admired for his basketball IQ and for being a players' coach who earns deep loyalty from his teams.
4. Bill Laimbeer – Toughness and Transformation
Former NBA player Bill Laimbeer brought a physical, no-nonsense style to the WNBA, coaching the Detroit Shock to three championships (2003, 2006, 2008). His teams were known for grit, defense, and hustle—characteristics that mirrored his own playing days. Laimbeer later coached the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces, helping both teams become playoff contenders. His ability to instill toughness and discipline into every roster made him one of the league’s most impactful personalities.
5. Sandy Brondello – Player-Turned-Mastermind
An accomplished former player, Sandy Brondello transitioned into coaching with remarkable success. She led the Phoenix Mercury to a WNBA Championship in 2014 and has consistently kept her teams competitive through smart rotations and a fast-paced offensive system. Now with the New York Liberty, Brondello is tasked with guiding a stacked roster led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu toward title contention. Her international experience and calm leadership style make her one of the most respected coaches in today’s game.
6. Lin Dunn – A Builder of Franchises
Lin Dunn made her coaching mark with multiple WNBA teams but is best known for leading the Indiana Fever to a WNBA Championship in 2012. Dunn had a gift for turning underdog teams into contenders, often through team-first basketball and defensive intensity. Her mentorship of players like Tamika Catchings turned raw talent into elite leadership. Dunn was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, highlighting her career of dedication to women's sports.
What Makes a Great WNBA Coach?
Success in the WNBA isn’t just about Xs and Os—it’s about adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to bring out the best in every player. The best coaches in the league are motivators, mentors, and culture builders. They earn the trust of their teams, evolve with the game, and often take a stand on social issues off the court as well.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation
As the league continues to grow, so too does the coaching talent pool. With more women being hired into coaching roles, including former WNBA stars like Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hammon making waves, the future looks bright. These rising leaders bring firsthand playing experience and a new perspective on the game, ensuring that the WNBA’s coaching legacy will continue to thrive.
WNBA coaches have done more than call plays—they’ve built dynasties, empowered athletes, and driven change both on and off the court. Their vision, leadership, and resilience have shaped the league we see today and continue to inspire future generations of basketball minds. Whether it's through championships or mentorship, these coaches truly changed the game.