The Phoenix Mercury’s 2023 season hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses. The pressure to extend their remarkable postseason streak to an 11th consecutive season was palpable. Unfortunately,? injury concerns dogged the team’s future from the start. A never-ending string of injuries slowed the team’s performance. Consequently, the 9-31 season concluded in a heartbreaking 11-game losing streak.

While their 2023 season might not have gone as they hoped, the Phoenix Mercury is gearing up for the upcoming season. And they began by hiring a new head coach for the team. However, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner?s new HC’s contract has gotten the basketball community talking. And they do not seem happy with it.

The Phoenix Mercury gets a new head coach

Vanessa Nygaard and the Phoenix Mercury parted ways following a dismal start to the 2023 season, following a disappointing 97-74 loss to the Seattle Storm. Stepping into the breach as interim coach was none other than lead assistant coach Nikki Blue. Blue joined the Mercury coaching staff in 2022 after a successful three-season stint as an assistant coach at Arizona State.

Unfortunately,?the 2023 season ended with the team clinching the unwanted title of the worst record in the WNBA at 9-31.

Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Mercury and Suns appointed Nick U’Ren as the General Manager of the team. It was U’Ren who spearheaded the coaching search for the team. And it seems like the Phoenix Mercury has settled on a new coach: Nate Tibbetts.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Nate Tibbetts is set to take over as the new head coach of the Phoenix Mercury.

Chris Tibbetts worked as a coach for many NBA teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, before being hired by the Phoenix Mercury. He also has significant G League experience from his time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Tulsa 66ers.

Tibbetts previously served as an assistant coach for the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Surprisingly, he is expected to break Becky Hammon’s previous contract record to become the league’s highest-paid coach. Since her contract with the Aces in 2022, Becky Hammon became the first WNBA coach to earn an estimated $1 million salary ? for a reported five years.

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This lucrative contract has raised questions among fans in the basketball world.

Chris Tibbetts faces the wrath of basketball fans

Becky Hammon’s historic deal was widely celebrated, marking a significant step forward for women in the basketball world. Becky Hammon, a former WNBA player is currently a coach for the Las Vegas Aces and has a strong history in women’s basketball and a successful track record. In contrast, Tibbetts has no prior WNBA experience. and is about to sign a deal that will make him the highest-paid WNBA coach.

A fan pointed this out, writing, ” Yeah I can?t get over it. From not being an active HC or having any experience within the WNBA to being the highest paid coach in WNBA History is white male privilege at work.”

Referring to Sandy Brondello and Becky Hammon, another fan wrote, “Who is this guy to become highest paid. 2 former WNBA players coaching the Finals and other coaches who have more experience. There are men who have been WNBA assistants for years who earned their stripes. The WNBA should be a goal not a stepping stone. Disrespectful!”

Meanwhile, a fan wrote, “If he get paid more than Becky Hammond it?s a sin.”

A fan wrote, “How he makes more than Hammon is wild to me.”

Another fan drafted a checklist, “Let?s see. He?s white. He?s male. He has no head coaching experience. Yeah, he checks all the boxes.”

It remains to be seen how Nate Tibbetts would impact the Phoenix Mercury.

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What are your thoughts on Nate Tibbetts? Let us know in the comments below!