Sights and sounds from when Brian Agler was introduced.
DALLAS — The air at the College Park Center was absent of the usual aroma of popcorn. Dallas Wings cookies and a “Welcome Coach Brian Agler” cookie cake greeted media and visitors as they entered the press room. You could feel the buzz among the VIPs who anxiously sat on the front row chatting. They were ready to introduce the latest Dallas coach to the fold. Jeff Williams, Mayor of Arlington, was there to support the Wings as he so often had in the past. A member of the Dallas Sports Commission chatted with ownership, while former Green Bay Packers great Donald Driver slipped in and quickly took his seat.
CEO and team president Greg Bibb walked in with his nonchalant new coach Brian Agler. Former Wings head coach Fred Williams sent Agler a congratulatory text message Monday, Agler revealed during the press conference. He talked about whether the Wings previous coaching woes gave him pause when considering the position. “As good of friends as we are I also understand that’s part of the business,” said Agler. “Timing is everything but no, it didn’t put pause into the situation.”
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Agler to Dallas was the worst-kept secret in the league shortly after the Sparks announced Derek Fisher as their new head. Twitter was buzzing after Brian Agler resigned and was spotted shortly after in Dallas. The Associated Press announced Monday that Agler would be named the next head coach of the Dallas Wings.
Last season, Wings fans were noticeably frustrated by Fred Williams and wanted change. Needless to say, many rejoiced at the news that the all-time winningest coach in U.S. women’s professional basketball would be their new coach. And for good reason, despite some hesitation of an unknown roster. He’s won two WNBA titles and said all the right things at Tuesday’s press conference.
Super Bowl winning Driver certainly thought so and was eager to chat with the new head coach during his media rounds. Driver is a partner with the Wings and chatted with Agler about him putting emphasis on practice and how he plans to swing by one in the near future.
Despite not having talked to Liz Cambage yet, Agler was confident in a few roster players and free agency to start his new era. He confirmed that Erin Phillips would stay on staff as an assistant coach. Former assistant coach Travis Charles attended the press conference in a new role as Director of Basketball Operations.
Agler noted the two things in particular that intrigued him when considering the position. “The organization itself, Greg, the staff, I saw the improvements over the last couple of years,” said Agler. Season ticket sales, the arena, attendance, and the roster are all intriguing. It’s not a final product yet, there’s talent and my job is to help them achieve at a high level.”
With such high hopes from one of the strongest fan bases in the league, he hopes fans will buy into what he’s selling. “I’m hoping they’ll see a team that has traits of a championship culture,” said Agler. “That they’re competitive, focused and resilient; they value the defensive end.” Much of which the Wings struggled with last season.
When asked if he’s had his customary plate of BBQ yet, Agler smiled and made it known his roots weren’t too far from Texas. “I started my coaching career in Oklahoma (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, 1984-88), I love BBQ and I definitely plan on having more.”
Tuesday the WNBA released their 2019 schedule, with the Wings meeting Agler’s former Sparks, July 9 in Arlington. The Wings will start the season on the road against the Atlanta Dream, then play their next game in a home opener against the Minnesota Lynx.