New York Liberty Hire Chris DeMarco as Head Coach

The New York Liberty have appointed Chris DeMarco, a long-time assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, as their new head coach. The agreement was reached on October 6, 2023, following negotiations between Liberty officials and DeMarco’s agent, Brian Elfus. DeMarco has been a part of the Warriors organization since 2012, contributing to the team’s success that includes four NBA championships.

DeMarco, who also serves as the head coach for the Bahamian senior men’s national team since 2019, brings a wealth of experience in player development and defensive strategy. He has worked closely with notable players such as Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole during his tenure in the Bay Area. His hiring comes at a pivotal time for the Liberty, who are looking to build on their recent championship success.

Liberty’s Search for Innovation

The Liberty’s decision to hire DeMarco follows the expiration of former coach Sandy Brondello‘s contract in September. Brondello, who led the team for four seasons, indicated a disconnect between her approach and that of the Liberty’s leadership. She has since taken the position as the first coach for the newly established Toronto Tempo.

Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized the importance of this coaching decision, stating, “We need to nail this. If we’re going to make a bold decision like this, our players deserve to get the best, and so we’ll take the time necessary.” Kolb expressed a desire for the team to evolve and innovate, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge in the league.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

Despite a promising start to the 2025 season, where they went 9-0, injuries to key players such as Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart ultimately hindered the Liberty’s pursuit of a title defense, leading to an early exit from the postseason. As the team prepares for the upcoming off-season, they face significant changes, with many players entering free agency amid negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

Currently, only two players are under contract: Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally. Despite this uncertainty, Kolb remains optimistic about the potential return of stars like Stewart, Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, who was the top pick in the 2020 draft.

As the Liberty transition into this new chapter under DeMarco’s leadership, the focus will be on building a cohesive strategy that aligns with the franchise’s vision for sustained success in the WNBA.