Chicago Sky dismisses Teresa Weatherspoon as head coach after missing playoffs

Sept. 27, 2024, 8:30 p.m. Sports

The Chicago Sky have decided to part ways with Teresa Weatherspoon as the head coach after the team failed to make the playoffs in the 2021 WNBA season. Weatherspoon, a former WNBA player and Hall of Famer, was brought on as the head coach in 2019 with high hopes of leading the Sky to success. However, after two seasons at the helm, the team's failure to qualify for the postseason led to the decision to dismiss her.

Weatherspoon's tenure as the head coach of the Sky was marked by inconsistency and underperformance. In her first season in 2019, the team finished with a disappointing 20-14 record and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Despite the presence of talented players like Diamond DeShields and Allie Quigley, the Sky struggled to find consistency and were unable to make a deep playoff run.

The 2020 season presented additional challenges for Weatherspoon and the Sky, as the league was forced to implement a bubble format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team finished with a 12-12 record in the shortened season, once again failing to secure a playoff spot. The lackluster performance of the team ultimately led to questions about Weatherspoon's ability to lead the Sky to success.

The 2021 season was supposed to be a fresh start for the Sky under Weatherspoon's leadership. With key players returning and the addition of talented rookies like Shyla Heal and Natasha Mack, there was renewed optimism that the team could make a strong playoff push. However, the Sky struggled throughout the season, finishing with a disappointing 16-16 record and missing out on the playoffs once again.

The decision to dismiss Weatherspoon as head coach comes as no surprise to many within the WNBA community. The lack of success and consistent underperformance of the team under her leadership ultimately led to the difficult decision. The Sky's management has expressed their gratitude for Weatherspoon's contributions to the team and wished her the best in her future endeavors.

Moving forward, the Chicago Sky will begin the search for a new head coach to lead the team into the future. The organization is committed to building a winning culture and achieving success on the court. With a talented roster and dedicated fan base, the Sky will be looking for a coach who can harness the potential of the team and lead them to playoff success.

As for Teresa Weatherspoon, her time as the head coach of the Chicago Sky may have come to an end, but her legacy as a Hall of Fame player and respected coach will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. While her tenure with the Sky may not have yielded the desired results, Weatherspoon's passion for the game and commitment to excellence will be remembered by fans and players alike.