The New York Liberty’s upcoming season hinges on a bold new coaching vision, and the appointment of Chris DeMarco signals a fresh chapter filled with potential—and controversy. The move has fans curious and perhaps cautiously optimistic about the team’s future after a challenging year. But here’s where it gets interesting: DeMarco, largely celebrated for his defensive prowess and extensive NBA experience, will be transitioning to women’s basketball for the first time. Does his background guarantee success, or are there nuances to coaching in the WNBA that he may need to navigate carefully?
Last week, the Liberty officially announced their decision to bring on Chris DeMarco as their head coach for the 2026 WNBA season, following his long tenure with the Golden State Warriors, where he has served as an assistant coach since 2012. This transition comes after the team’s unexpected early exit in the 2025 playoffs, which marked a disappointing end to a season that had once looked promising. The Liberty parted ways with Sandy Brondello—who, in just four seasons, led the team to their historic first championship in 2024 and became the franchise’s most successful coach with a record of 107 wins against 53 losses. Her departure marked the end of an era, and since then, fans have been anxiously awaiting the conclusion of a rigorous two-month search for her replacement.
What unique qualities does Chris DeMarco bring to the Liberty?
DeMarco’s 15-year career with the Warriors has seen him fulfill various roles, from nurturing young talent to crafting defensive strategies. His contributions have been instrumental in the Warriors’ incredible success over recent years, culminating in four NBA titles, including the 2021-2022 championship. His deep focus on defense has made him a key figure within the Warriors organization, especially through his work with stars like Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, and Draymond Green.
Particularly noteworthy is his relationship with Draymond Green. During a pivotal 2023 playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Green credited DeMarco for his significant improvement in defense. Green openly admitted that his performance in Game 1 was “awful,” prompting DeMarco to give him honest, straightforward feedback. This approach was hard but ultimately productive, motivating Green to elevate his game and play more effectively in subsequent matches.
DeMarco is known to be a passionate, no-nonsense coach unafraid to face challenges head-on. His tough-love style and dedication to accountability are qualities that could serve the Liberty well as they rebuild in the wake of Brondello’s departure and an unexpectedly early playoff exit. His ability to push players to excel, especially under pressure, might be the catalyst the Liberty need to regain their winning ways.
Reflecting on the 2025 season—what went wrong?
Despite winning the championship in 2024, the Liberty’s 2025 campaign was marked by obstacles. A significant setback was the injury to Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who sustained a knee injury that sidelined her throughout the season. Her absence removed a vital defensive presence from the team before the season even started. Additionally, key players like Leonie Fiebich, Nyara Sabally, and Marine Johannes were often away representing their countries in the EuroBasket tournament, leaving the team shorthanded at crucial moments.
The final game of the season against the Phoenix Mercury exposed some harsh realities. Fiebich notably played through a broken rib for nearly 28 minutes—a display of resilience that fans admire—yet it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. The Liberty struggled on both offense and defense, appearing disorganized and unable to contain the Mercury’s offensive firepower, which ultimately led to their defeat.
How can the Liberty restore their former glory?
Liberty’s General Manager, Jonathan Kolb, explained after the end of the 2025 season that the franchise is seeking to evolve and embrace innovation as their guiding principle. This strategic shift seems to favor fresh ideas and new leadership over sticking with longstanding relationships. DeMarco’s hiring is aligned with this vision: his no-nonsense style will demand accountability and motivate players even during tough moments.
However, it’s essential to recognize that DeMarco’s official debut in women’s basketball will be his first. His background is predominantly NBA-associated, which is part of a significant trend in the WNBA—where coaching positions are increasingly filled by men with NBA experience. Currently, eight male coaches lead WNBA teams, and most of them also have at least a year of NBA coaching behind them. This shift prompts important questions: how well does NBA experience translate to success in women’s basketball, and at what point do specialized, women-specific coaching approaches become indispensable?
And what about Sandy Brondello now?
Following her departure, Brondello quickly transitioned to coaching a new WNBA franchise, the Toronto Tempo, set to debut in 2026. The team’s general manager, Monica Wright Rogers, praised Brondello’s high-level winning capabilities and her talent for building culture and community—a vital component for sustained success. Her ability to empower players and foster a shared sense of purpose makes her an ideal leader for the team’s future.
Both Brondello’s upcoming journey with the Tempo and DeMarco’s challenging yet promising start with the Liberty will be fascinating to follow in the upcoming season. As fans and analysts debate whether this strategic change will pay off, one thing remains clear: the next chapter of the WNBA promises to be full of innovation, fierce competition, and plenty of spirited discussion. Would you agree that coaching background alone guarantees wins, or does the nuanced chemistry of team culture hold the key to success? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
