As with most head coaching jobs, it can be a lot of pressure with high expectations and the WNBA is no different. Amid the WNBA playoffs, two coaches will not be returning to their teams on the sidelines in 2026. The Seattle Storm announced that Noelle Quinn‘s contract will not be renewed following after five seasons.
Quinn took over in May of 2021 for the retiring Dan Hughes, leading the team to the first of four playoff appearances during her tenure. Seattle lost to the Las Vegas Aces in back-to-back seasons in the first round of the playoffs, including this season.
The Storm announced today that Head Coach Noelle Quinn’s contract will not be renewed for the 2026 season.
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) September 21, 2025
Thank you, Noelle for your dedication and commitment to the Storm.
📰 https://t.co/vSAjG2qd2D pic.twitter.com/PBfj6rvIZU
What’s more, there was a controversy surrounding the franchise with allegations of player mistreatment by the coaching staff. In the end, an investigation by Seattle found no wrongdoing. Star guard Jewell Loyd would be traded to the Aces after a decade with the Storm as a result. Quinn’s 97 wins are the second-most in team history. It’s important to note she was the lone Black head coach in the WNBA.
In a shocking move by many WNBA fans, the New York Liberty parted ways with head coach Sandy Brondello on Tuesday. Brondello led the Liberty to their first WNBA Championship in 2024 with WNBA Finals appearance the previous season.
This season, New York fell to the Phoenix Mercury in the first round of the playoffs. She complied a 107-53 (.669) record over her four seasons with the Liberty. Additionally, she is the franchise’s all-time leader in wins.
What Is Next For Quinn And Brondello?
Looking at Quinn, she is currently the lead assistant coach of Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team. It is hard to predict if she will land another head coaching opportunity in the WNBA. Besides Seattle, the Liberty, along with the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, have head coaching vacancies.
Shifting to Brondello, there is a strong chance that Seattle, Portland, and Toronto will be seeking her services. With three WNBA Finals appearances and two WNBA Championships, Brondello’s resume speaks for itself.
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