The New York Liberty have officially appointed Chris DeMarco as their new head coach. This announcement comes after finalizing the terms between DeMarco and Liberty officials. His appointment is seen as a significant move for the franchise as they aim to build on their recent success.
Chris DeMarco: A Seasoned Coach
DeMarco has a rich coaching background with the Golden State Warriors, where he has served since 2012. He has played an integral role in various capacities, including assistant coach and player development coach, contributing to the team’s four NBA championships. His defense strategies aided star players like Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole during their significant tenures.
- Joined Warriors: 2012
- NBA Championships: 4
- Head Coach of Bahamian National Team: Since 2019
Liberty’s Coaching Search
Prior to hiring DeMarco, the Liberty considered several candidates, including:
- Will Weaver – Former Brooklyn Nets assistant
- Kristi Toliver – WNBA champion and Phoenix Mercury associate head coach
- Jama Mahlalela – Toronto Raptors assistant
This coaching change comes after Sandy Brondello’s contract expired in September. Brondello was the team’s head coach for four seasons before parting ways due to misalignment with Liberty leadership.
New Season Outlook
The Liberty had a promising start to the 2025 season, winning their first nine games. However, injuries to key players, including Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, led to an early playoff exit. Despite this setback, Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb expressed confidence in the team’s future. He believes that top players will want to return for the next season, especially with free agency approaching.
Future Goals
Kolb emphasized the importance of making the right decision with this coaching hire. As the Liberty look to maintain their competitive edge in the evolving WNBA landscape, DeMarco’s leadership will be critical. The organization seeks not only to defend its championship title but also to foster a culture of sustained success.
