Sandy Brondello is set to lead the Toronto Tempo as their inaugural head coach. This announcement follows her recent departure from the New York Liberty. Brondello’s appointment comes as she seeks to build a new team culture with an expansion franchise.
Brondello’s Coaching Achievements
Brondello brings a wealth of experience to the Toronto Tempo. She is a two-time WNBA champion coach, boasting over twenty years in the league. Her career highlights include:
- Coaching the Phoenix Mercury, where she spent eight successful years.
- Leading the Liberty to consecutive WNBA Finals appearances.
- Securing the franchise’s first championship in 2024.
Despite her achievements, Brondello parted ways with the Liberty after a disappointing title defense. This decision was made shortly after the team was eliminated in the playoffs. The Liberty ended the season with a record of 27-17.
Toronto Tempo’s Vision
As the newly appointed head coach, Brondello is viewed as an excellent fit for the Toronto Tempo. The team is eager to establish a strong foundation. General Manager Monica Wright Rogers has expressed confidence in Brondello’s leadership capabilities.
Coaching Landscape
Following her exit from the Liberty, Brondello was considered for several head coaching positions across the league. Notable teams showing interest included:
- Seattle Storm
- Dallas Wings
- Portland Trail Blazers
Eventually, she emerged as a primary candidate for the Toronto position. Meanwhile, the Liberty are still searching for Brondello’s successor. Potential candidates for the Liberty’s head coaching role include:
- Kristi Toliver (Mercury Associate Head Coach)
- Will Weaver (Former Nets Assistant)
- Joseph Blair (G League Coach)
- Sonia Raman (Current Liberty Assistant)
The Liberty’s ongoing search reflects their careful approach to finding a qualified replacement. As the WNBA continues to evolve, Brondello’s journey with the Toronto Tempo marks an exciting new chapter for both her and the franchise.
