First-year WNBA coaches often get a lot of flack and questions from fans and analysts alike, and Jose Fernandez certainly experienced plenty of that at the beginning of the 2026 WNBA season. In fact, he continued to experience it throughout the season, with many questioning his decisions, his coaching, and his effectiveness. But somehow through it all, the Dallas Wings have made the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2023 — and that's thanks in part to Fernandez's leadership.
While speaking to The Athletic in an interview published this week, Fernandez said that having "confidence in yourself" across the board is key to achieving pretty much anything, something that is especially true when it seems many are against you. Fernandez, who inherited a team and franchise that had certainly seen better days (the Wings were at the bottom of the WNBA standings last season), also admitted that he's really unbothered by what others have said about him. As he put it, "If you're worried about what people are saying about you and what they're talking about, you're going to end up being where they're at."
That attitude seems to be popular among his players. The Athletic also spoke to Paige Bueckers, who was drafted by the Wings as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She noted that though she tries not to be "outcome-oriented," it's impossible to not enjoy winning a game. She added that "winning just makes me so happy."
It clearly makes everyone associated with the Wings happy — including many of those same fans who once denegrated Fernandez and his decisions.
The Athletic also reported that things appear to be improving for the Wings across the board. The team is set to move into a $81 million practice facility next year, and will begin playing at the American Airlines Center in the heart of Dallas for the 2027 season. Those two factors coupled with their playoffs appearance this season is likely to draw out at least a few interested free agents, which will in turn help the team continue to grow.
No matter how this season ends, growth will likely remain a key part of the Wings' strategy going forward, at least for the next few seasons. The team will want to capitalize on the success they've experienced this year, and will also be welcoming back Azzi Fudd after she injured her knee this season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google