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WNBA news: Nicki Collen named Atlanta Dream head coach

By Russell Steinberg

UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 04: Connecticut Sun assistant coach Nicki Collen and athletic trainer Jerremy Norman look on during the first half of an WNBA game between Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun on August 4, 2017, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Connecticut defeated Phoenix 93-92. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 04: Connecticut Sun assistant coach Nicki Collen and athletic trainer Jerremy Norman look on during the first half of an WNBA game between Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun on August 4, 2017, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Connecticut defeated Phoenix 93-92. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Dream have named Nicki Collen their new head coach, team owners Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler announced on Monday.

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Collen has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach under Curt Miller with the Connecticut Sun.

In a press release, Collen said:

"“I am humbled at the opportunity to become the next Head Coach of the Atlanta Dream and incredibly proud to be associated with a league that empowers women in such a positive way. I want to thank owners Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler, as well as team President Theresa Wenzel for believing in me and what we can accomplish together. I was blown away by their passion and commitment to the Dream and to the city of Atlanta.”"

The Summitt reported last week that the Dream had interviewed Collen and that she was a “top candidate” for the job. She replaces Michael Cooper, who spent four seasons at the helm but failed to lead the Dream to the WNBA Playoffs each of the past four seasons. He was fired after a 12-22 season in 2017.

Despite a rough season, the Dream have a young core to build around and figure to have a bright future. Layshia Clarendon, Tiffany Hayes, and Elizabeth Williams were all named to the WNBA All-Star team this year, while Brittney Sykes was a member of the All-Rookie Team. And that’s not to mention the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Angel McCoughtry, who is expected to return next season.

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