As Angel Reese prepares for her highly anticipated Unrivaled League debut, the Chicago Sky is making headlines with their latest coaching hire. While fans are eager to see Reese shine alongside fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso, the team’s recent announcement about bolstering their coaching staff has sparked mixed reactions.
Tanisha Wright Joins Chicago Sky’s Coaching Team
The Chicago Sky, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Tyler Marsh, is entering the upcoming WNBA season with a nearly revamped coaching staff. After adding Courtney Paris as an assistant coach in November, the Sky recently announced the hiring of Tanisha Wright, a former WNBA star and experienced head coach.
Wright brings an impressive résumé from her 14-year playing career, which includes five All-Defensive First Team and two Second Team selections during her time with the Seattle Storm. Her defensive prowess and player development skills are expected to benefit Chicago’s young roster, especially rising stars like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
However, Wright’s transition from playing to coaching has been met with some skepticism. During her three-season tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Dream, the team made the playoffs in 2024 but endured three consecutive losing seasons. The Dream’s general manager, Dan Padover, described Wright as an “important contributor” to their rebuilding efforts but emphasized the need for a “new chapter” when announcing her departure in October.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions on Wright’s Appointment
Despite her accolades, Wright’s hiring hasn’t been universally celebrated by Sky fans. Social media has been abuzz with debates, with some praising her defensive expertise and others questioning her leadership based on her record with the Dream. One frustrated fan summed up the sentiment bluntly: “Terrible hire!” Others pointed out potential alternatives, such as Pokey Chatman, a seasoned coach with ties to Chicago, who was rumored to be a candidate for the head coaching position before Tyler Marsh was hired.
Wright’s reputation as a tough leader has also sparked conversation. Her straightforward remarks about her Atlanta Dream team’s lackluster performance last July against the Dallas Wings highlighted her no-nonsense approach but also raised questions about her ability to inspire and uplift a struggling roster.
Can Wright Silence the Critics?
Head coach Tyler Marsh remains confident in Wright’s ability to elevate the Sky. “Tanisha has built an outstanding résumé as a player and coach in the WNBA,” Marsh stated in the team’s press release. “With a long history of accomplishment and player development, she will help us to build a winning culture at the Sky.” The pressure is now on Wright to prove she’s the right fit for the role. With Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso poised to become cornerstone players for the franchise, Wright’s guidance could be instrumental in their development.
But for some fans, her success will depend on whether she can translate her individual brilliance and tough coaching style into a cohesive, winning team dynamic. As the WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Wright and the Chicago Sky to see if this move pays off-or if the critics were right all along.
