The Dallas Wings are finalizing the hiring of longtime South Florida coach Jose Fernandez as head coach, with a contract expected imminently. Fernandez led USF since 2000 to a 485-317 record and 10 NCAA tournament appearances, including eight of the last 11 years, turning the program into a top mid-major. USF acknowledged his decision and praised his 25-year impact on the university. Michele Woods-Baxter was named interim head coach for USF ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Wings fired Chris Koclanes after a 10-34 season and seek an experienced coach with international reach to build around Paige Bueckers.
"The Dallas Wings are closing in on hiring longtime South Florida coach Jose Fernandez as their new head coach, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. Fernandez had not signed a contract as of Thursday afternoon but is expected to be as early as Friday, a source said. Fernandez will be the fifth head coach in seven seasons for the Wings, who are looking to build a contender following last season's arrival of franchise star and No. 1 overall draft pick Paige Bueckers."
"USF confirmed in a social media statement that Fernandez has informed the school of his decision to leave the program to coach in the WNBA. Fernandez coached the Bulls to 10 NCAA tournament appearances -- including eight in the last 11 years -- since arriving in Tampa in 2000, compiling a 485-317 record and turning the program into one of the best mid-majors in the country."
Read at ESPN.com
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