Chris DeMarco Named Head Coach of New York Liberty: A New Era of Excellence
The New York Liberty have announced the appointment of Chris DeMarco as their new head coach, following his tenure as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. DeMarco brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Warriors, where he contributed to four NBA championships. The Liberty's general manager, Jonathan Kolb, expressed excitement about DeMarco's leadership qualities and vision for the team's future on the court.
DeMarco's transition to the Liberty marks a trend of WNBA teams hiring coaches with NBA backgrounds, as seen with recent hires in Portland and Seattle. DeMarco himself is eager to uphold the Liberty's legacy of excellence and community engagement. He looks forward to working with the talented players on the team and building upon the winning culture that defines the New York Liberty.
This appointment makes DeMarco the third head coach hired by Jonathan Kolb during his tenure with the Liberty. Despite the team's roster being largely composed of free agents, Kolb remains optimistic about retaining key players like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. The departure of former coach Sandy Brondello, who led the team to a WNBA championship in 2024, paved the way for DeMarco's arrival. Brondello has since joined the Toronto expansion team.
In addition to his coaching role with the Liberty, DeMarco has also served as the coach of the Bahamian national team since 2019, a connection that resonates with player Jonquel Jones, who hails from the Bahamas. With his championship experience and coaching background, DeMarco is poised to lead the New York Liberty to new heights in the upcoming WNBA season.
In conclusion, the New York Liberty's appointment of Chris DeMarco as head coach signals a new chapter for the team, as they aim to build on their winning foundation and uphold their commitment to excellence both on and off the court. DeMarco's proven track record and dedication to player development make him a valuable addition to the Liberty's coaching staff, and fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead under his leadership.