Los Angeles Sparks fire coach after owner Magic Johnson says - 'Everybody should be mad'

The Los Angeles Sparks have parted ways with head coach Curt Miller after finishing the 2024 WNBA season with the worst record - and part-owner Magic Johnson has called out senior figures within the organization.

Miller has been fired after two seasons as head coach, finishing 25-55 throughout his tenure but managing just eight wins last season. The Sparks will begin searching for a new head coach immediately, with ending their four-year postseason drought a priority.

In a statement, Governor and Managing Partner Eric Holoman said: "On behalf of our ownership group and franchise, I would like to thank Coach Miller for his passion and commitment to the Sparks organization these past two seasons. We wish him well moving forward."

Holoman was called out directly by Johnson , with the part-owner concluding that he's been "sitting back a little" and allowing decisions to be made elsewhere. In an interview with the LA Times on Sept. 16, Johnson said: "Everybody should be mad at the Sparks.

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"Our fans should be mad. This is not what we all would want. I'm going to get more involved. It's probably been my fault that I've let Eric Holoman make all the decisions and us as the owners, we've been sitting back a little.

"I think I have to get more involved, and I'll do that, that's a commitment to the fans, that I will get more involved and be part of it more to help bring the Sparks back to a championship level."

Holoman oversees day-to-day operations at the Sparks and sits on the WNBA Board of Governors, although his role could change according to Johnson.

The Sparks were founded in 1997 and won two WNBA championships before Johnson became an owner. Johnson was involved in buying the Sparks in 2014, and the team delivered its third WNBA title in 2016, although it's not been the same in recent years.

The organization parted ways with championship-winning coach Brian Agler in 2018 and struggled under both Derek Fisher and Fred Williams through 2022 when Miller was hired. With a regular-season record of 140-86, Miller was seen as an ideal candidate due to having the 11th-most regular-season wins in WNBA history.

Miller is also a two-time WNBA Coach of the Year after building a strong Connecticut Sun roster, although he's yet to win a championship after suffering two losses in the WNBA Finals. "I want to thank the entire Sparks organization for the opportunity to lead and help rebuild the franchise," said Miller.

"I am proud of the culture created in our locker room and strongly believe the roots have been established for a bright future. The team is now positioned for success, and I wish the players the best heading into the 2025 season."