5 Candidates to Become Angel Reese's Next WNBA Head Coach

Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was fired by the organization late Thursday following a 13-27 season in her first year with the coaching staff.

After winning the WNBA Finals in 2021, Chicago will be looking for their fourth head coach since their title run. They have a few promising young pieces in Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter, but Chicago now has a big hole to fill.

Here are five candidates that could be in the mix to become the Chicago Sky's next head coach.

Kim Mulkey, LSU head coach

LSU women's basketball head coach Kim Mulkey is an immediate candidate, especially for fans of Reese. The Sky rookie previously played with Mulkey for two seasons with the Tigers in 2023 and 2024.

During her collegiate career, Reese averaged 18.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. After two years with Maryland she transferred to play under Mulkey and the two secured an NCAA title together in 2023.

Given that Reese may be Chicago's centerpiece for the future, bringing in Mulkey could be a major boost to the Sky's game planning and chemistry.

Mulkey has been with the Tigers since 2021 after having a lengthy career with the Baylor Bears from 2000-21.

Natalie Nakase, Las Vegas Aces assistant coach

Las Vegas Aces assistant coach Natalie Nakase is another potential candidate for Chicago. She was previously a professional women's basketball player with the San Joe Spiders, San Diego Siege and Herner.

Her playing career spanned from 2005-08 and she quickly turned to a coaching gig following her retirement as a player.

After a short-lived playing career, Nakase served as the assistant coach for a few different franchises, including the Wolfenbüttel Wildcats, Saitama Broncos, Agua Caliente Clippers, Los Angeles Clippers and now the Aces.

She won two WNBA titles with Las Vegas in 2022 and 2023.

Tamika Catchings, WNBA legend

Former Indiana Fever superstar Tamika Catchings may enter the mix as well, if she chooses to enter the coaching ranks.

Catchings is one of the most decorated WNBA players in the history of the game. During her career with Fever, which spanned from 2002-16, Catchings was a 2012 WNBA champion, 2012 Finals MVP, 2011 MVP, 10-time All-Star and seven-time All-WNBA First Team member.

Sheryl Swoopes, WNBA legend

Sheryl Swoopes may be heavily connected with the Sky's coaching gig, given her most recent collaboration with Reese. Swoopes joined Reese on her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast , which released its latest episode on Thursday.

During so, Reese asked Swoopes if she would ever be inclined to join the WNBA as a coach, and the league legend was quick to respond "yes." She also added that she would love to work with Reese and Carter.

Similar to Tamika Catchings, Swoopes retired from the WNBA as a well decorated player. She ended her career as the four-time WNBA champion, three-time MVP, six-time All-Star and five-time All-WNBA First Team member.

Swoopes also has previous coaching experience. She was an assistant coach at Mercer Island from 2009-10, a head coach at Loyola-Chicago from 2013-16 and an assistant at Texas Tech from 2017-18.

Curt Miller, former Los Angeles Sparks coach

Another candidate who could be on the Sky's radar is Curt Miller, who was recently dismissed from his head coaching duties with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Miller served as the coach for the Sparks from 2023-24. He lasted two seasons in L.A., just after leaving the Connecticut Sun, which he coached from 2016-22.

He also has experience at the collegiate level, previously holding a role on the staff at Syracuse, Colorado State, Bowling Green, Indiana and Cleveland State.

Miller started his career at Cleveland State in 1991. He's one of the oldest candidates listed, having extensive experience at the collegiate and WNBA level.

Related: Chicago Sky Make Major Decision After Missing WNBA Playoffs

Related: Angel Reese Asks Sheryl Swoopes to Coach Chicago Sky