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Former Las Vegas assistant coach Tyler Marsh has signed a multi-year contract to become the next coach of the Chicago Sky, his agent told ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Marsh served on the Aces during the team’s run to the 2022 and 2023 WNBA titles.
Marsh will replace former coach Teresa Witherspoon, who was fired in September after one season. After losing rising star Angel Reese to a season-ending injury, the Sky went 13-27 and missed the playoffs under Weatherspoon.
The record represents a step back for the Sky, who were hoping to improve after adding Reese and No. 3 pick Kamilla Cardoso in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Reese responded to Weatherspoon’s firing with a September 26 post on X, in which she said she was “heartbroken” and that the former head coach “didn’t deserve” to be fired.
She then told former No. 7 player Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times that she “couldn’t imagine playing for Sky without… [Weatherspoon.]”
Reese appeared to have a positive reaction to Marsh’s appointment, as she posted back on X shortly after the news broke on Saturday:
Angel Reese @Reese10Angel
W.
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliuca said Julia Poe From the Chicago Tribune in October that Skye’s relationship with Reese was “in good place.”
“Emotions have been high for a few days and we can respect that. We can appreciate that,” Pagliuca said. “We understand that there are bonds that are built with coaches and players, especially young people.”
Pagliocca told Poe that part of the reason the Sky fired Weatherspoon, who had never previously served as a WNBA assistant or head coach before accepting her role in Chicago, was because the franchise had heard rumors that veteran free agents would be reluctant to sign with the Sky because of her inexperience.
The Sky will look to change that by adding Marsh, who was hired by the Aces in 2022 and worked with the team as the franchise posted a 77-29 record and 19-6 postseason mark in three seasons.
The Aces credited Marsh with helping Jackie Young improve her shooting accuracy en route to winning the 2022 WNBA Most Valuable Player Award. Young has now averaged at least 15 points and earned All-Star nominations in each of the past three seasons.
The Sky hopes Marsh will similarly help develop young players like Reyes, Cardoso and 2024 Most Improved Player candidate Chindy Carter as Chicago looks to get back into the playoff picture in 2025.
