The Chicago Sky stirred up the WNBA world in October by parting ways with their third head coach in just 18 months. Last year, the team brought in Teresa Weatherspoon, hoping her leadership would revive the magic of their 2021 championship run. However, things didn’t pan out as planned. The Sky struggled under Weatherspoon’s guidance, ultimately missing the playoffs and landing in the tenth spot in the standings. Well! Tyler Marsh might turn the tables for them.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Chicago Sky may have found their next leader to steer the team toward success. Tyler Marsh has just been announced as the new head coach for the Windy City franchise. Well, he brings a wealth of experience from various roles across the league. While this will be his first time stepping into the head coach role, Marsh’s extensive background makes him an intriguing choice.
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Tyler Marsh: The Young Visionary Ready to Lead the Chicago Sky
At just 36, Tyler Marsh steps into the spotlight as the youngest head coach in the league following the Chicago Sky’s recent announcement. But don’t be quick to underestimate his experience just because of his age. Marsh brings a rich background, having held a variety of roles across major platforms and their developmental programs. This diverse exposure has equipped him with a deep understanding of team dynamics, positioning him well to lead the Sky with a fresh yet informed approach.
Marsh brings a wealth of coaching experience from his time on the men’s side in the NBA, G League, and NCAA. Most recently, he worked with the Las Vegas Aces, joining the franchise in 2022 as an Assistant Coach and Head of Player Development. Teaming up with Becky Hammon on the sidelines, Marsh played an integral role in the Aces’ back-to-back championship victories, contributing his expertise to a winning formula.
One of Marsh’s standout achievements with the Aces was his work with Jackie Young, particularly in transforming her 3-point game. His dedication on the court and in the film room paid off as Young’s shooting accuracy skyrocketed. In 2021, she had made only five 3-pointers at a 25% clip. But by 2022, under Marsh’s guidance, she hit 50 threes at an impressive 43.1% accuracy, earning her the title of the 2022 WNBA Most Improved Player.
Although the Aces marked Tyler Marsh’s WNBA debut, he came well-prepared, having built a strong coaching resume beforehand.
Tyler Marsh’s path to the Chicago Sky
Marsh’s experience not only extends to WNBA as he also has worked alongside NBA franchises. He came to Aces after serving for the Indiana Pacers and under two different head coaches during a short stint. However, he couldn’t achieve glory there as the Pacers finished 9th and 13th in the standings during his time. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean he does not have experienced a winning pedigree as Marsh had already tasted success the year before the Pacers brought him on board.
Just before shifting his base to Indianapolis, Tyler Marsh was an assistant video coordinator and player development coach for the Toronto Raptors. Being a member of their staff, he also celebrated an NBA Championship in 2019 with head coach Nick Nurse. This achievement wasn’t his first rodeo in professional basketball. In fact, he had already in the NBA G League.
Tyler Marsh's resume speaks for itself 👏 pic.twitter.com/We5dp6zOJe
— espnW (@espnW) November 2, 2024
Working in the assistant coach position, Marsh spent time at Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2016-17), Bakersfield Jam (2014-15), and Iowa Energy (2013-14). He honed his skills in developing players and analyzing game strategy. In fact, his championship success with the Raptors wasn’t his first with head coach Nick Nurse. The duo had previously celebrated a title together back in 2012-13 when they both served on the coaching staff of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League.
The 36-year-old head coach’s diverse portfolio. This also includes a brief stint with Stanford Excellence Academy in 2016. And a role as an assistant coach at Alabama A&M in 2017-18. His time at Alabama was particularly meaningful. He had the rare chance to work alongside his father, Donnie. He is a seasoned coach with over 40 years of experience and is currently an assistant at Detroit Mercy.
Well, coaching runs in the Marsh family. Tyler’s collaboration with his father at Alabama A&M during the 2017-18 season provided him with invaluable mentorship and insight into the profession. Now, with the main coaching role for the Chicago Sky resting on his shoulders, all eyes will be on Tyler as he steps up to the challenge.
Tyler Marsh’s vision for the Chicago Sky
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After clinching the WNBA championship in 2021, the Chicago Sky’s journey has been anything but smooth. This was in result of key players from that championship team moving on to different franchises. Now, after giving just one season in office to Teresa Weatherspoon, the management dismissed her and the team faces upheaval. Therefore, the opportunity comes to Tyler Marsh. He has got a job of ensuring stability and guiding the Sky back to the playoffs.
Marsh must be focused on revamping the Sky’s offense by working on better spacing on the court. Moreover, with skilled shooters in the lineup, he eyes to create more opportunities for the team in the paint, paving the way for a more dynamic and effective scoring attack.
Moreover, the Sky has recently begun construction of a new practice facility. A crucial step for WNBA teams looking to retain their players and attract free agents. If Marsh can successfully develop Chicago’s emerging stars, it will make the franchise an even more enticing option for potential recruits.
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With Marsh at the helm, the Chicago Sky are poised for a fresh start. As he implements his vision for the team, fans eagerly await the return of playoff contention and an exciting brand of basketball.
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