Top Candidates for Seattle Storm Head Coach Position 2025

The Seattle Storm, a stalwart in the WNBA, is going through a big transition as they part ways with head coach Noelle Quinn. Quinn had been with the franchise since 2019 and took over as head coach in 2021.

She leaves after a season where the Storm finished 23-21 and fell short in the playoffs. With general manager Talisa Rhea now looking for a new head coach, several notable candidates are already popping up.

Let’s take a look at who might replace Quinn and where the Storm could be heading next.

Seattle Storm’s Coaching Transition

The Storm’s decision not to renew Noelle Quinn’s contract marks a big moment for the team. Quinn moved up from assistant coach in 2019 to head coach in 2021 and led the team to four postseason appearances in five years.

Even with her successful run, the team’s performance this year—including a 7-7 record after a mid-season trade for All-Star guard Brittney Sykes—pushed the franchise to look for new leadership. It’s not an easy call, but it feels like the right time for a new direction.

Potential Candidates for Head Coach

As the Storm search for their next head coach, a few names stand out thanks to their experience and potential to lead the team forward. Here are four prominent candidates worth keeping an eye on.

Chandrika Raman

Chandrika Raman’s first year in the WNBA with the Liberty showed off her knack for boosting a team’s offense and handling tough game situations. Before that, she coached at MIT and worked as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.

That mix of experience could really help the Storm.

• Offensive Development: Raman played a key role in the Liberty’s offensive strategies, and honestly, the Storm could use some of that spark.
• Special Situations: She’s got a reputation for managing late-game scenarios and after-timeout sets, which might make a difference for the Storm in close games.
• Player Connection: Raman connects well with players of all ages, which is valuable for a roster that includes veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and rising talents like Dominique Malonga.

Briann January

Briann January, now an assistant with the Fever, is another strong contender. She’s also spent time coaching with the Detroit Pistons’ NBA G League affiliate, which has helped her become a well-rounded coach.

Defensive Coordination and Player Relations

January’s known for her defensive strategies and her ability to connect with players, no matter their experience level. She recently worked with Fever star Caitlin Clark during Clark’s injury rehab, showing her dedication and hands-on approach.

• Defensive Expertise: January’s defensive coordination has given her a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams.
• Player Relationships: She relates well to players, and her prior relationship with Storm GM Talisa Rhea could come in handy.

Tanisha Wright

Tanisha Wright, who previously coached the Atlanta Dream, knows the Storm inside and out after playing for them for a decade. Her time with the Dream included playoff appearances, though the team sometimes struggled to score.

Experience and Familiarity

Wright brings tons of experience as both a player and coach, and her history with the Storm makes her a familiar face. Her defensive skills and head coaching background put her near the top of the list.

• Defensive Prowess: Wright’s teams have always been tough on defense.
• Organizational Familiarity: Her long history with the Storm could make for a smooth transition—sometimes that inside knowledge is underrated.

Rebekkah Brunson

Rebekkah Brunson, now an assistant with the Minnesota Lynx, has played a big role in developing players like Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith. Brunson’s focus on player development fits perfectly with the Storm’s current needs.

Player Development and Network

Brunson loves working with young talent and has a strong network of experienced coaches. That could be huge for the Storm as they try to build for the future.

• Player Development: Brunson’s work with the Lynx shows she knows how to help young players grow.
• Coaching Network: Her connections with other coaches could bring fresh ideas and strategies to Seattle.

Conclusion

The Seattle Storm’s hunt for a new head coach feels like a big moment for the franchise. They’re weighing options like Chandrika Raman, Briann January, Tanisha Wright, and Rebekkah Brunson.

Each of these candidates brings something different to the table. It’s honestly tough to predict which direction the Storm will go.

If you want to dive deeper into the coaching candidates, check out the New York Times article.