JuJu Watkins' assistant coach at USC is Dallas Wings' next head coach

12/23/2024 12:20 PM

Chris Koclanes — a defensive-minded USC assistant coach who previously coached under Curt Miller in the WNBA — is headed to Dallas.

The Dallas Wings have hired their new head coach: Chris Koclanes, an assistant at the University of Southern California who previously served as an assistant coach in the WNBA under Curt Miller for 8 years. Koclanes has been an integral member of the coaching staff that has helped lead JuJu Watkins and the Trojans to an 11-1 record to begin the year.

Miller, now the general manager of the Wings, opted for someone he knows well for the head coach role after a lengthy search. Koclanes will replace Latricia Trammell, who was fired after two seasons in Dallas.

Chris Koclane's coaching resume spans both the WNBA and NCAA

Koclanes has an expansive background in coaching, though he has yet to serve as head coach. He was Miller's longtime defensive coordinator, both with the Los Angeles Sparks (2023) and Connecticut Sun (2016-2022). The Sparks had the league's third-best defense under Koclanes, while the Sun consistently finished in the top three. Now, in his second season as an assistant under Lindsay Gottlieb at USC, who are 11-1 on the year.

USC has been led by standout rookie JuJu Watkins, who is averaging 24.8 points and 5.8 rebounds and has been one of the best players in the country. Koclanes has spoken highly of Watkins throughout his tenure; in April, he expressed his belief the star guard was WNBA-ready, per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Times

"If I'm being completely honest, I think she could come off the bench and be a spark plug for somebody right now," Koclanes said. "She would have to adapt because from high school to college, now college to the pro, it's a whole other level of speed, physicality. But the way she's been able to adjust already here, she's going to be able to do it."

It's a period of change for the Wings, who finished with a 9-31 record last season, which was second-worst in the WNBA. Dallas won the Draft Lottery last month, so they'll have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, who is widely expected to be UConn star Paige Bueckers. (Watkins has two more years in college after this season, though she's expressed her desire to enter the draft early if the rules were changed).

Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard are both unrestricted free agents, while Arike Ogunbowale has been the team's cornerstone for the past few seasons.

Curt Miller had previously said the coaching search would be expansive — and that it was aided by the fact Dallas had the No. 1 overall pick.

"Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars," Miller said in an official press release. "He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches. Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation."

Koclanes said he was excited about the opportunity to assume the head coach role in Dallas.

"I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community," Koclanes said. "I'm excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights. "