FILE - Washington Mystics head coach Eric Thibault signals to his team as they play against the Indiana Fever in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, July 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
The Washington Mystics are parting ways with coach Eric Thibault and general manager Mike Thibault, the franchise announced Wednesday.
Eric Thibault is the fifth WNBA coach to be let go this offseason, joining Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. He took over for his father after the 2022 season. The younger Thibault spent 10 years as an assistant coach with the Mystics, including four as associate head coach.
The Mystics finished this season 14-26, just missing the playoffs. Washington started the year with 12 straight losses and dealt with injuries to Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes. The team also underwent major changes this offseason with Elena Delle Donne sitting out and Natasha Cloud leaving for Phoenix.
“After extensive reflection and conversation, we have decided we are at a point in our competitive and evolutionary cycle to turn the team over to new leadership with a renewed vision to carve our path into the future of WNBA basketball,” Monumental Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger said. “Coach Mike elevated the Mystics program to its proud status as a league leader in innovation, the standard bearer in player care, and a model franchise.”
Mike Thibault came to the franchise in 2012 as both the GM and coach, leading the team to its first title in 2019. The Mystics made eight postseason appearances and he earned the league’s WNBA Coach of the Year award in 2013. He has the most wins in WNBA history with 379.
“He built and coached the championship team, developed high performing players, and pioneered many of the processes teams use today in building rosters and organizations. His fingerprints are all over this franchise and will be for years to come,” Winger said. “We are grateful for Mike’s commitment, passion, and leadership and wish him well. Coach Eric is a skilled coach and equally talented motivator. Our players are fortunate to have played for Eric these past two seasons, as will many other players in this league for decades ahead.”
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
By DOUG FEINBERG
AP Basketball Writer
This post was last modified on 10/23/2024 12:10 pm
