Tyler Marsh has some sky-related work to do. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Aces assistant coach Tyler Marsh has agreed to become the next head coach of the Chicago Sky, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Las Vegas Review-Journal Cali Vin.
Marsh joined Chicago after three seasons with Las Vegas in which he helped the team win back-to-back WNBA championships. In addition to assistant coach, his title included head of player development, and he is widely credited with helping the likes of A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young develop their games.
Before the Aces, Marsh worked with the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors, as well as four different G League teams.
His appointment continues an eventful season to lead the Aces. Another assistant coach, Natalie Nakase, was hired to become the inaugural head coach of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, while general manager Natalie Williams was let go as part of a front office restructuring.
Can Tyler Marsh turn the Sky back into a playoff team?
And in Chicago, Marsh will inherit a franchise that has seen major turmoil since winning the 2021 championship. The team failed to repeat in 2022, then saw head coach and general manager James Wade step down after a 7-9 start in 2023. Assistant coach Emre Vatansever took over as interim head coach and manager The year he went 11-13, but he was fired after the season.
Teresa Weatherspoon was hired with hopes she could quickly return the team to a contender, but quiet free agency led to franchise star Kahleah Copper requesting a trade, which was granted. The Sky embraced a complete rebuild, drafting Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in the 2024 WNBA Draft, allowing Courtney Williams to walk in free agency and trading away Marina Mabrey.
The Sky finished 13-27, missing the playoffs for the first time in six years. Weatherspoon was fired abruptly, as part of a brutal season for the WNBA coaching ranks, much to the dismay of Reese, who is now at the center of Chicago’s future plans.
Reese at least indicated her agreement to hire Marsh on Saturday.
Under Marsh, the sky could still do some rebuilding. The team has a 2025 lottery pick, but a pick swap with the Dallas Wings looms as part of the trade that brought Mabrey to Chicago.
