The Chicago Sky were still reeling from the disappointment of missing the playoffs, and now fans have received another jolt of news. Finishing tenth in the standings this year, the Teresa Weatherspoon led side fell just two games short of a playoff berth, trailing the Atlanta Dream. For a franchise that had enjoyed five consecutive playoff appearances and even captured their first championship during that stretch, this setback was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow.

Well, what seems more like a response to their disappointing season, the Chicago Sky has made a swift decision that may address their recent struggles, yet it leaves their future uncertain. The Windy City franchise has parted ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who was only hired last October and had just one season to make her mark. This decision raises eyebrows, especially since it marks the third head coach change for the franchise in just two seasons. So, what could have led to Spoon’s sudden exit?

Teresa Weatherspoon’s unmet promises: A struggle compounded by circumstances beyond her control

Over the past few years, the Chicago Sky established themselves as not just a strong contender, but a consistently competitive force, making the playoffs for five consecutive seasons since 2019. Their confidence must have soared even higher after capturing their first championship in 2021, triumphing over the Phoenix Mercury under head coach James Wade. Naturally, with that kind of success, expectations only grew, and the bar was set even higher for the team to continue proving themselves.

However, in the two seasons that followed, the Chicago Sky managed to make the playoffs, but their run always fell short of the finals. Just last year, the Las Vegas Aces knocked them out in the first round, a blow that likely fueled their desire to shake things up. Enter Teresa Weatherspoon, whom the team brought in to revitalize their efforts. With three years of experience as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, Weatherspoon was seen as a rising star—someone who could even become the NBA’s first female head coach one day.

When Teresa Weatherspoon joined the Chicago Sky, it coincided perfectly with the debut of star rookie Angel Reese in the WNBA, sparking excitement among fans who hoped for a magical season. Initially, the team seemed to deliver on those expectations, being in contention of a playoff spot with a decent 10-14 record before the All-Star break. However, the second half of the season took a disappointing turn. After returning to the court, the Sky managed to win only three out of their next 16 games, leaving their fanbase longing for the success they had anticipated.

Ultimately, this series of setbacks resulted in the Sky’s disqualification from the playoffs, a disappointment they hadn’t faced in quite some time, especially in a season where expectations were high with Angel Reese on the roster. The team wrapped up the season with a 13-27 record under Weatherspoon, against the previous year’s 18 wins.

However, it’s important to note that Teresa Weatherspoon isn’t solely to blame for this outcome. Throughout the critical last three weeks of the season, her team battled a string of injuries, with key players—including Reese—missing crucial games. The Sky had four of their key players, Chennedy Carter, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese and Diamond DeShields missing number of decisive fixtures.

However, a report from Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times highlights that the team’s decision to fire Spoon might stemmed from a deeper disconnect between the coach and the team.

Amidst reports suggesting team chemistry issues, Reese expressed gratitude for Teresa Weatherspoon

Throughout the season, the Sky’s players have rallied behind Teresa Weatherspoon, with rookie sensation and All-Star Angel Reese being particularly supportive. However, as Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times revealed, some underlying issues surfaced during the exit interviews, shedding light on challenges that might have affected the team’s chemistry

“Players were outwardly supportive of Weatherspoon throughout the year. However, during exit interviews, it became apparent there was some disconnect. Multiple players noted the changing play style throughout the year and mentioned the learning curve of being a first-year coach,” Costabile pointed out in her report on Weatherspoon’s departure.

Nevertheless, the No.7 pick for the Sky, Reese, stood firmly by Teresa Weatherspoon, expressing her sadness over the coach’s departure on X and expressed her gratitude towards the head coach. “All the crazy circumstances that we went through this year & when your back was against the wall, you always believed. I came to Chicago because of YOU. You were an unsung hero in my life. We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever,” wrote Reese.

Looking forward: Sky Seek new Head Coach for championship aspirations

For now, the best course of action for Angel Reese and the fanbase is to look ahead and embrace what is to come. The Sky is back on the lookout for a new leader who can guide them toward their second WNBA championship, aiming to replicate their triumphant run from 2021.

This time around, the Chicago Sky have a variety of options to consider for their new head coach. One possibility is Curt Miller, who recently parted ways with the Los Angeles Sparks after a challenging season but has a solid track record from his time with the Connecticut Sun. They could also explore the option of bringing on Kim Mulkey, Angel Reese’s head coach at LSU, or even reach out to former legends like Tamika Catchings and Sheryl Swoopes to lead the team.

It will be fascinating to see who they ultimately choose for the head coach position—someone who can effectively connect with the players and inspire them for the challenges ahead. Yet, a lingering question persists: is it fair to judge a head coach after just one season, especially when that season was riddled with injuries?