Chicago Sky’s recent struggle underscores the need for a fresh approach. After parting ways with Teresa Weatherspoon, who struggled to meet the high expectations set for her leadership in her first year, the team was rumored to be eyeing Curt Miller, a proven strategist Hall of Famer with experience coaching elite teams like the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun. However, the organization ultimately chose the now-former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach as their head coach.

In a recent X post by sports commentator Bobby Marks it was revealed that the Chicago Sky’s management has signed Tyler Marsh as their new head coach.

“Tyler Marsh has agreed to a multi-year contract to become the Head Coach of the Chicago Sky, his agent Andy Miller of @KlutchSports tells me, @alexaphilippou and @Andraya_Carter Marsh was an Assistant Coach and Head of Player Development with the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces won back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023 with Marsh on the staff,” wrote Marks on his X.

Tyler Marsh’s career reflects a rich tapestry of coaching experiences, though he may not have the high-profile résumé of a coach like Miller. After Becky Hammon joined the Aces staff in 2022, Marsh helped lead Las Vegas to consecutive WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023. He had previously worked in the NBA, having been the Toronto Raptors’ assistant video coordinator and player development coach before joining the Indiana Pacers for two years as an assistant coach and player development. Moreover, Marsh had also coached in the G-League.

What makes this hire particularly intriguing is the timing. With the WNBA continuing to evolve and teams like the Aces and New York Liberty setting new standards for offensive innovation, the Sky needed someone who could bridge the gap between traditional fundamentals and modern basketball concepts. Marsh’s experience in Vegas’s system, which emphasizes pace, spacing, and versatility, aligns perfectly with the league’s direction. Moreover now with the departure of Marsh, the Aces are now short of two assistant coaches, as the other assistant coach Natalie Nakase became the head coach of Golden State Valkyries last month.

With the WNBA becoming increasingly competitive and talented, Chicago’s bet on Marsh represents more than just a coaching change – it’s a statement about the franchise’s future direction. As the winter months approach, the Windy City eagerly awaits to see if their new Vegas influence can bring back the golden days of Sky basketball. However, why was Teresa Weatherspoon fired in the first place?

The reason behind the Chicago Sky fired Teresa Weatherspoon

Back in August, Chicago Sky made the surprising decision to part ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, sparking conversations about the rationale behind this move. Although the team did not disclose specific reasons, it can only be speculated that the decision stems from her inability to lead the Sky to the postseason in 2024.

After joining the organization, Weatherspoon, a former WNBA star and respected coach, was seen as a leader who could help the Sky rebuild and return to the playoffs. However, despite her high-profile reputation and coaching experience, the team struggled throughout the season, missing the playoffs and finishing with a subpar record of 13-27.

“After careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of the organization to part ways with Head Coach Teresa Weatherspoon. We are deeply appreciative of Coach TSpoon’s contributions to the Chicago Sky, and the energy and passion she brought to the head coaching role. We thank her for inspiring a competitive, resilient spirit across the team, synonymous with Chicago Sky basketball,” said Chicago Sky co-owner and operating chairman Nadia Rawlinson.

Weatherspoon played for the Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 through 2004 and was a five-time All-Star who helped usher in the start of a new league. She was a defensive star and excellent ball-handler who was a leader for the Liberty for much of her career. Her firing had raised eyebrows in the league with Angel Reese commenting on it. “She was the only person who believed in me,” said Reese. Now only time will tell if Marsh will be able to take the Windy City towards glory.