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Who will be the next head coach of the Seattle Storm? Choices abound

By Howard Megdal

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 9: Katie Smith honoree of the WNBA Top 20@20 ceremony presented by Verizon shows off her ring during halftime of Game 1 between the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks during the WNBA Finals on October 9, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 9: Katie Smith honoree of the WNBA Top 20@20 ceremony presented by Verizon shows off her ring during halftime of Game 1 between the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks during the WNBA Finals on October 9, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TULSA, OK – AUGUST 23: Head coach Gary Kloppenburg of the Tulsa Shock eyes the clock in the final moments against the San Antonio Silver Stars during the WNBA game on August 23, 2013 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Shane Bevel/NBAE via Getty Images)
TULSA, OK – AUGUST 23: Head coach Gary Kloppenburg of the Tulsa Shock eyes the clock in the final moments against the San Antonio Silver Stars during the WNBA game on August 23, 2013 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Shane Bevel/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Seattle Storm’s decision to replace Jenny Boucek on Thursday with interim Gary Kloppenburg sets up an intriguing offseason for the team, one that will start with a decision on their coaching direction.

Do not underestimate Kloppenburg’s ability to grab the permanent gig, with his significant coaching experience and the likelihood that improved defensive buy in from the Storm players could land Seattle in the playoffs. Opinion around the league is split, with some expressing a belief that a playoff appearance would be enough to get him a full-time shot, others believing the Storm will open things up regardless of how he does.

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If they do so, consider that the new gig would include a chance to live in Seattle, play for dedicated ownership, coach the still-great Sue Bird and develop Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd, not to mention a draft pick that could end up in the lottery if the Storm fall short of the postseason.

So who will be in the mix if the Storm decide to pursue an outside answer? Here’s a rundown of their possible paths.

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