The WNBA has exploded in popularity during the last two years. Most give credit to star players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers. But with that additional exposure comes more scrutiny of head coaches, and even pushback against the league from some players over compensation.

Koclanes is the third WNBA coach to be fired since the end of the regular season, joining the New York Liberty 's Sandy Brondello and Seattle Storm 's Noelle Quinn. The expansion Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are also searching for head coaches ahead of their inaugural seasons.