The WNBA’s Coaching Carousel: Angel Reese Weighs In on Teresa Weatherspoon’s Controversial Exit
The Chicago Sky’s decision to part ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one season sent shockwaves through the WNBA community. While the team cited a need to rebuild for the future, the move raised questions about the league’s impatience with coaching staff. But here's where it gets controversial: was Weatherspoon truly given a fair chance to prove herself, or was she set up to fail in a tumultuous transition year?
Rookie sensation Angel Reese, who flourished under Weatherspoon’s guidance, didn’t hold back her thoughts on the matter. In a recent episode of her Unapologetically Angel podcast, Reese invited Weatherspoon to discuss the Sky’s decision. Reese praised Weatherspoon’s grace in handling the situation, stating, ‘It was very unfortunate for a lot of us, more than you know. People always come into your life for a reason and a season,’ (https://youtu.be/GNPfbhlUyKU?si=AuyEIDgeUA2yXwOV&t=1259). This emotional reflection highlights the personal impact of such professional decisions.
Weatherspoon, for her part, remained respectful despite feeling disrespected by the Sky’s handling of her termination. ‘I’m always going to be respectful regardless of situations. And I expect the same. But I didn’t get that,’ she shared. The lack of a clear explanation for her firing left her—and many fans—perplexed. ‘I got a phone call and a cancellation of my meeting. I chose to have a face-to-face conversation, but I never got an answer, and I still don’t,’ she revealed.
Reese’s rookie year was a breakout success, thanks in part to Weatherspoon’s trust and mentorship. ‘I think you came into my life for the right reason… I’m just so thankful that it was the right time, it was the perfect time,’ Reese said, underscoring the bond between player and coach. Yet, Weatherspoon’s 13-27 record with the Sky, while disappointing, must be viewed in context. Taking over from championship-winning coach James Wade, and managing a roster in flux with rookies like Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, was no small feat. Both Reese and Cardoso earned WNBA All-Rookie team honors, but expecting them to carry the team to championship contention in such a chaotic year was unrealistic.
And this is the part most people miss: the Sky’s struggles didn’t end with Weatherspoon’s departure. In the following season, under new head coach Tyler Marsh, the team finished with a dismal 10-34 record, missing the playoffs yet again. Injuries to key players like Courtney Vandersloot and Reese herself compounded the challenges. Reese, however, remains optimistic, urging patience and accountability: ‘We have to give Tyler grace because he’s a rookie coach, too… We have to look ourselves in the mirror and be patient with ourselves and continue to just grind. We don’t point the finger.’
As the Chicago Sky gear up for the 2026 season with the addition of experienced assistant coach Latricia Trammell, questions linger. Was Weatherspoon unfairly scapegoated for the team’s struggles? Does the WNBA’s coaching carousel undermine long-term success? And what does this mean for Angel Reese’s future with the Sky?
What’s your take? Was the Sky’s decision to part ways with Weatherspoon justified, or did they act too hastily? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about leadership, accountability, and the future of the WNBA.
