Dallas Wings On SI

Dallas Wings usher in new era with ex-South Florida winning HC to help Paige Bueckers

Welcome to a new era of Dallas Wings basketball as the team's turnaround saw new beginnings Monday.

Zain Bando

Mar 18, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez directs his team against the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez directs his team against the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

It was time for a change for the Dallas Wings, and roughly a month after the dismissal of former coach Chris Koclanes, the team made a critical decision Monday with the hiring of a new coach to wipe the slate clean and begin a new era.

The Wings selected former South Florida Bulls women's basketball coach Jose Fernandez, a hiring that seemed inevitable after the parties expressed mutual interest over the past several weeks.

Fernandez was gracious in his introduction to the Wings' organization, relaying how excited he is to rebuild the Wings organization as the team's star guard, former No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, enters her sophomore season.

Jose Fernandez Ready To Get To Work In Dallas

South Florida Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez motions to his team during the first half of the American Athletic Conference
Mar 9, 2022; Fort Worth, TX, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez motions to his team during the first half of the American Athletic Conference women's basketball tournament semifinals against the Houston Cougars at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"I want to thank Curt Miller, Greg Bibb, and the entire Dallas Wings organization for this incredible opportunity," Fernandez said, per USA TODAY. "We will be relentless in our pursuit of excellence, approaching everything we do with elite standards and a championship mindset. I couldn’t be more excited to serve as your Head Coach and will work tirelessly to lead this organization to a level of success that both the Wings and the DFW community can be proud of."

The Wings finished 10-34 this past season, a far cry from the expectations Bueckers and company have put on themselves, especially following a largely successful career at UConn prior to her WNBA career getting underway.

READ MORE: Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers pays surprise visit to college basketball roots

The USF Athletic Department wished Fernandez well after 25 seasons leading the program, which included a WNIT title in 2009, two AAC Coach of the Year accolades, and two trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and this past season.

In a blurb from USF athletics CEO Rob Higgins, he described Fernandez's decision to transition to the WNBA as "bittersweet," but also one of "a well-deserved opportunity" in accepting a "professional dream."

"We wish him the best," part of Higgins' statement read.

The Wings are one of three teams to hire a new coach, joining the expansion's Toronto Tempo in their pursuit of former New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello and the Portland Fire tabbing Alex Sarama to lead the West Coast program.

Amidst all of the WNBA's CBA controversy, the Wings can now focus on becoming a sustainable franchise and officially beginning yet another rebuild phase. However, only this time, it's with a winner who has proven he is a long-term answer in college.

Now, it'll be up to Fernandez to translate his winning culture to the WNBA.

remain in the spotlight regardless of which public occasions may arise. Nonetheless, though, if done correctly, the Wings' future appears bright if the pieces start to form as intended.

READ MORE: Dallas Wings need to pivot after head coach candidate accepts other job

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer & columnist for Gameday Media's MMA Knockout, expanding his portfolio as a Staff Writer for Dallas Wings On SI with previous in-network contributions around the echosystem. Outside of covering fights, Bando's background includes Big Ten football and men's basketball with leans toward Illinois and Northwestern with a broader league view for bylines including The Sporting News, FanSided, Men's Journal and others since 2019. Bando can be reached at zainbando99@gmail.com or via his social media accounts @zainbando99.

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