The Dallas Wings are expected to hire longtime University of South Florida head coach Jose Fernandez.
South Florida announced in a social media post Thursday that Fernandez informed the university of ‘his decision to pursue an opportunity to coach at the next level in the WNBA’ following 25 seasons at the helm of the Bulls women’s basketball team. Both ESPN and SB Nation reported the Wings are closing in on a deal for Fernandez to become the team’s fifth head coach in seven seasons.
‘While this is a bittersweet moment for our program, it is a well-deserved opportunity for Jose to realize a professional dream, and we are incredibly proud of him,’ USF athletics CEO Rob Higgins added in the statement.
Fernandez will take over a Wings team that finished 10-34 last season, tied for last place in the WNBA standings with the Chicago Sky, despite a sensational Rookie of the Year campaign from the Wings 2025 No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals while shooting 47.4% from the floor, 33.1% from the 3-point line and 88.8% from the free throw line.
The Wings parted ways with head coach Chris Koclanes on Sept. 30 after one season in hopes of building a strong culture around Bueckers to contend for a championship.
Fernandez, 53, led USF to a 485–317 record, 10 NCAA tournament and nine WNIT appearances, including a WNIT title in 2009 and WNIT semifinal finish in 2014. Fernandez was named the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2021.
‘Over the past 25 years, Jose has been an exceptional leader, mentor and advocate for the University of South Florida,’ Higgins said. ‘His impact on USF Athletics and our university community is profound, and his legacy will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.’
Fernandez is the latest WNBA head coach expected to be hired.
The Portland Fire hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Alex Sarama as its inaugural head coach, while the Toronto Tempo are the expected to hire former New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. Two head coaching vacancies remain in the WNBA: the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty.
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