The Chicago Sky have parted ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after only one season, the team announced on Friday. Weatherspoon, who took the helm less than a year ago, recorded a 13-27 record, leading the Sky to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Before joining the Sky, Weatherspoon served multiple seasons as an assistant coach with the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. A Hall of Famer and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, she was recognized for her ability to develop players and her intense coaching style. However, throughout the season, it became evident that she was still adjusting to her role, with noticeable disconnects between the coaching staff and players.
“After careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of the organization to part ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon,” stated Sky co-owner Nadia Rawlinson. “We are deeply appreciative of Coach TSpoon’s contributions to the Chicago Sky and the energy and passion she brought to her coaching role. We thank her for inspiring a competitive, resilient spirit across the team, which is synonymous with Chicago Sky basketball.”
Despite the decision, the team’s star rookie forward, Angel Reese, expressed her support for Weatherspoon through a heartfelt social media post. Reese shared, “I’m heartbroken. I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person that believed in me.”
Reese praised Weatherspoon for her unwavering support amid the challenges the team faced this season, expressing gratitude for their bond and acknowledging the difficulties of being a Black woman in sports.
This season, the Sky faced several notable challenges beyond their disappointing record. They ranked as the second-worst offense in the league and struggled with late-game performances. Additionally, the team dealt with roster issues, having traded All-Star guard Kahleah Copper before Weatherspoon’s first game and losing key players to injuries during the season.
Given these circumstances, some critics feel the decision to let Weatherspoon go seems somewhat harsh, as she managed to support players like Chennedy Carter in their development.
The Sky will now begin searches for their third head coach in three seasons, complicating what is already expected to be a busy offseason. As it stands, only two players, Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham, are under guaranteed contracts for the 2025 season, suggesting significant roster changes may be on the horizon. The team will also participate in the lottery draft, although they cannot secure the No. 1 overall pick due to previous obligations to the Dallas Wings.