The Chicago Sky have reportedly hired former Las Vegas Aces assistant Tyler Marsh to be their next head coach. The Sky parted ways with Terea Weatherspoon following the 2024 season. Weatherspoon seemingly earned the respect of Sky players such as Angel Reese, but Chicago still decided to go in a different direction. Now Marsh will take over in hopes of leading the team to the playoffs.
The Sky have work to do this offseason as they attempt to build a competitive roster. The good news is that Reese is already one of the best players in the WNBA. Chicago can build around her for years to come. Marsh will try to help Reese find even more consistency during the upcoming campaign as he takes over as the head coach.
Was Marsh the best option for Chicago, though?
Tyler Marsh set to lead Sky
Marsh emerged as a head coach candidate after finding success as an assistant in Las Vegas. He was the head of player development in addition to being an assistant coach with the Aces, so the Sky surely believe he can play a big role in player development with their roster.
He had a similar role in the NBA. Marsh understands what it takes to help players see real improvement in their games. In fact, the Aces website reports that Marsh specifically helped Jackie Young take a big step forward in her game with the team.
Chicago fell just short of a postseason appearance in 2024. They are close to becoming a contender, however. The idea of hiring a head coach who excels in the player development facet of the role makes plenty of sense for the Sky.
Sure, the Aces could have hired someone with more head coaching experience. They were linked to former WNBA head coaches. In the end, though, they clearly felt that Marsh was the best candidate for the position.
Grading Sky's Marsh hiring
Experience is important. As mentioned, the Sky could have hired a coach with more WNBA head coaching experience. In all reality, however, the decision to hire Marsh should not be overlooked for that reason. Marsh's skillset as a coach should benefit the Sky in a pivotal manner.
It is difficult to say that this is a perfect hiring. With that being said, it has the potential to help the Sky take a massive step forward in 2025 and beyond.
We will give the Sky an A- for their decision to hire Tyler Marsh.