BEDFORD PARK, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Sky officials were light on specifics Wednesday when discussing their decision to fire former coach Teresa Weatherspoon after one season, saying there was no particular catalyst and that it was simply time to move on from the Naismith Hall of Famer. “First, I want to say I have a lot of respect for ‘Spoon,” general manager Jeff Pagliocca said.
“We’re very appreciative of the competitive teams, the resilient teams, the spirit she brought to us on the court every night. As an organization, we just felt it was time to make a change.” Pagliocca spoke at a groundbreaking for a practice facility near Midway International Airport and just south of Chicago.
The Sky fired Weatherspoon two weeks ago after finishing with a 13-27 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018 despite getting significant contributions from rookie post players Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The next coach will be the team’s fourth since the Sky won the WNBA championship in 2021. “We're actually here to talk about the practice facility,” Sky co-owner and operating chairman Nadia Rawlinson said.
“I have tremendous affection personally, tremendous love, for ‘Spoon and what she’s done for the franchise. But today's really about the future and where we're going.” She said the Sky are “looking to move with alacrity” in the search for a new coach.
Chicago hired Weatherspoon in mid-October 2023. Former coach and general manager Jame.