It has been another calamitous year for the Chicago Sky and Tyler Marsh. It would be fair to assume the second-year head coach could be facing the axe come the end of the season due to his inability to take this roster to the postseason. However, Marsh seemingly still has the backing of his players, as rookie sensation Sydney Taylor has said, "Tyler is a great coach." This support could be an essential factor in the 38-year-old remaining at the helm next year.
In an interview with WNBA Today's Noa Dalzell, Taylor held Tyler Marsh in high regard. "I really appreciated playing for him this year. He knows the game well -- really smart man."
Sydney Taylor has thrived under the tutelage of Marsh -- proving that he does wield the coaching ability to improve players on an individual basis. Despite going undrafted, Taylor is averaging 13.8 points per game and has already drained several memorable buzzer-beater winning shots.
With her contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, Chicago will surely make it a priority to re-sign the gem they have uncovered to a longer-term deal -- especially as they have first refusal on her signature. If this is the case, Marsh has one critical player on his side as he looks to retain his status as the Sky's head coach. But should keeping the locker room's faith be the leading factor in him retaining his job?
Chicago should consider a fresh start
The Chicago Sky hierarchy made a decision in the offseason to load up the roster with an abundance of offensive talent. While this was a squad that would never make a serious championship tilt, it should have had enough stars at its disposal to clinch a playoff berth.
In Marsh's defense, he has been without important rotational pieces such as Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Rickea Jackson for large portions of his second year at the helm of the Sky. Nevertheless, a 15-26 record while sitting 11th overall in the WNBA standings isn't where this franchise should be after its ambitious summer recruitment.
Regardless of the player's wishes, Jeff Pagliocca must realise he is also in the hot seat and has to start making sensible decisions to help Chicago develop. A fresh set of eyes and a new perspective are exactly what this team needs next year.
Many other factors are limiting the Chicago Sky from challenging for the summit of the WNBA standings, but Tyler Marsh's tenure with the franchise is starting to feel slightly stale. Fortunately for him, having the backing of players such as Sydney Taylor might be enough to keep him in situ for another season.
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