The New York Liberty is moving on from head coach Chris DeMarco, one year after parting ways with Sandy Brondello. The decision isn't exactly a surprise, especially when considering how the Liberty's final postseason game ended, and DeMarco's apparent unwillingness to take accountability for a decision that was ultimately his to make.
But for some fans, it's not surprising at all DeMarco was fired — because they saw the writing on the wall in December 2025. That's when DeMarco, who left his role as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors to lead the Liberty, admitted that he wasn't familiar with the history of the team or the WNBA.
DeMarco told reporters that though he'd watched the WNBA "as a fan," he'd "ordered every book" he could get on the Liberty after he got the job. At the time, the admission sparked conversations about whether or not WNBA owners and teams should pursue coaches who don't have a track record with the league, especially when there are plenty of former players and current assistant coaches in the WNBA who could do the job. But now, DeMarco's comments feel even more important.
The Liberty have a lot of options as they search for a new coach, and perhaps they already have a candidate or two in mind. Last year, Phoenix Mercury assistant head coach Kristi Toliver, former Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Will Weaver, and Toronto Raptors assistant coach Jama Mahlaela were all said to be finalists for the job, and many have floated Toliver's name again. Other possible coaches include Roneeka Hodges, who was named Coach of the Year during Unrivaled's 2026 season, and Teresa Weatherspoon, who previously coached the Chicago Sky.
Liberty ownership should also more enthusiastically include players in the coach search. It seems clear the team can't afford to have a first-timer steering the ship again, which could complicate the search a bit — though there are WNBA coaches who might be interested in leading the team, it's difficult to imagine any of them doing so. For example, Becky Hammon's five-year contract is up this year, but the idea of her departing Las Vegas, where she's won multiple championships, is difficult to fathom.
The Liberty could look at the wide world of the NCAA for a coach. Duke's Kara Lawson received high praise from Breanna Stewart during the FIBA World Cup, though it's unclear if she has any plans to leave the collegiate level. No matter who they choose, the Liberty should prioritize having a coach who is familiar with the league, and who understands the history of the program well before they even sit down for an interview.
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