New York Liberty declined to renew head coach Sandy Brondello's contract after four seasons and a 107-53 record that included the 2024 championship and consecutive Finals appearances. The 2024 title defense was significantly impacted by injuries: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton missed the season, and Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart missed extended stretches. The team finished as the No. 5 seed and suffered a first-round playoff exit to the Phoenix Mercury without home-court advantage. Only one player who logged more than seven playoff minutes, Leonie Fiebich, is under contract entering a crucial offseason that includes a new collective bargaining agreement. Brondello will be a coaching free agent while the franchise seeks a coach for the next era.
"In the wake of a first-round exit from the WNBA playoffs last Friday, the Liberty announced Tuesday that they won't be renewing the contract of head coach Sandy Brondello, who went 107-53 (.669) in four seasons with the franchise, including leading New York to the 2024 championship and back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances. New York's title defense was marred by injuries. The Liberty played all season without starting wing Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and former MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart both missed extended stretches."
"Even so, New York probably underperformed its talent at less than full strength, finishing with the No. 5 seed to set up a difficult first-round series against the Phoenix Mercury without the benefit of home-court advantage. Ahead of a critical offseason for the Liberty -- and the entire WNBA as a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated -- they must decide on the coach to lead them into a new era."
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