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Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca talks Teresa Weatherspoon's firing, new Sky facility
The Chicago Sky broke ground on a new training facility, but are in need of a head coach. Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca spoke on both Wednesday.
CHICAGO - The Chicago Sky have reportedly found their next head coach.
Tyler Marsh has agreed to a multi-year contract to become the Sky's next head coach. Klutch Sports' Andy Miller, Marsh's agent confirmed the news to FOX 32.
ESPN was the first to report the news.
"I’m so grateful to be the next head coach of the Chicago Sky," Marsh said in a written statement Sunday. "Thank you to Jeff Pagliocca, Michael Alter and all of Sky ownership for their belief in me to be the next leader of this franchise. I’m looking forward to building relationships with our players and throughout our entire organization as we work towards establishing a championship culture on and off the court. Thank you to Mark Davis, Nikki Fargas and Matt Delsen for the opportunity to be part of one of the greatest sports organizations in the world. Thank you to Coach Hammon, our staff and all of the Aces’ players for allowing me to make history with you as we brought the city of Las Vegas back-to-back championships. I love you all and wouldn’t be in this position without you."
In a release officially announcing his hiring, the Sky cited Marsh's ability to build relationships with players and player development.
"Today we are excited to welcome Tyler Marsh as the new head coach of the Chicago Sky," General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a written statement. "Tyler’s relentless work ethic, deep understanding of the game, and his ability to connect with players on a personal level set him apart. His commitment to developing each player’s unique strengths, along with his basketball acumen and calm, composed leadership style, make him an outstanding fit for our team. Tyler is known for his integrity, humility, and focus on building a culture rooted in trust and accountability. We are confident that he will lead the Sky to new heights and inspire our players and fans alike."
Marsh comes to Chicago from Las Vegas, where he served as an assistant coach and head of player development under Becky Hammon.
The Aces won back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023 with Marsh on staff in Vegas. Marsh was hired in Las Vegas in 2022.
Marsh was also on the staff of the Toronto Raports when the Raptors won the 2019 NBA Championship.
Marsh has worked with the likes of A'Ja Wilson, the three-time WNBA MVP, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and more on Vegas' roster. Las Vegas lost in the WNBA semifinals to the eventual WNBA Champion New York Liberty.
The move already got approval from the biggest name on the Sky's roster. Sky star Angel Reese simply posted "W" on X after the hiring became public.
"We promised our fans that we would be very intentional with our next coaching hire, with the goal of being a playoff and championship contender every year," Chicago Sky Co-Owner and Operating Chairman Nadia Rawlinson said in a written statement. "Coach Marsh brings a wealth of successful coaching experience and accountable leadership to our young team, and we look forward to a new era of Chicago Sky basketball with Coach Marsh at the helm."
Marsh will be tabbed to work with Sky rookie sensations Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, while also working with Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca to develop a roster that will have multiple first-round draft picks after the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The Sky's hire will replace the vacancy left when the team fired Teresa Weatherspoon after just one year. That move sent a ripple effect throughout the league as Weatherspoon's status as a basketball Hall of Famer was well-known.
Weatherspoon helped bring the Sky into the WNBA playoff race, but were eliminated on the final day of the regular season. Management on the Sky said they felt a change was needed, but didn't elaborate much on the move.
With Marsh coming into the fold, it becomes clear the team is putting an emphasis on player development. With the franchise building around Reese and Cardoso, the team will have two draft picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft: one in the top-four when the lottery is announced and the 10th overall pick in the draft via Connecticut.
Now, Pagliocca has his choice of head coach in place.
He can turn to building the team he wants.