While different standards can be stipulated, the WNBA’s Coach of the Year typically goes to the head coach that get their team to perform at a level higher than anticipated.
That gives every coach has a chance of winning this award, yet some have brighter outlooks early on. Here are three candidates who could separate themselves as COY-winning contenders.
Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces)
This selection goes directly against the thought process that typically leads to the winner of this award. Las Vegas Aces’ head coach Becky Hammon is again coaching the defending champions, and they’re in the middle of a dynasty run and expected to be great once again.
So, how can she win COY? The path towards that is unprecedented excellence. If Las Vegas goes on a tear and wins at a historic rate, this could be the moment where she gets her second Coach of the Year honor.
Stephanie White (Indiana Fever)
The Indiana Fever were a solid team last year, but now with Caitlin Clark back, they are primed to be a special unit.
If Stephanie White pushes the right buttons, she can take them from being a top-four team to THE juggernaut of the WNBA. If White helps the Fever fulfill that potential, while compiling a regular-season record superior to the likes of the aforementioned Aces or the New York Liberty, her resume would certainly impress many people around the WNBA and could be enough improvement to warrant COY consideration.
To get the Fever to play that well, White will have to push the right buttons. She’ll have to continue maximizing Aliyah Boston’s play, balance Clark as an on-ball creator and an off-ball option and win a ton along the way. So far, all indicators seem to favor that being the most realistic way things go in Indiana in 2026.
Sandy Brondello (Toronto Tempo)
Sandy Brondello is a successful and well-known WNBA head coach. She’s accomplished everything possible with the Phoenix Mercury and Liberty and now has a new challenge in Toronto with the Tempo.
Can she coach this expansion team to unexpected success? Is it possible for her to establish a culture, earn some wins and have a successful season similar to what Natalie Nakase did with the Golden State Valkyries last year? That was the formula that got Nakase the COY last year and if Brondello can get even close to replicating those results, she’ll be a frontrunner for the award.
Who is your early-season favorite for this award?
Can you see Hammon, White or Brondello capturing the honor? What about the Minnesota Lynx’s Cheryl Reeve, who is always in the mix? With another overachieving season, could the Phoenix Mercury’s Nate Tibbetts get the nod? Is there any chance Nakase could repeat? Or, maybe Jose Fernandez will get credit for the turnaround of the Dallas Wings?
Make your pitch for your favored candidate in the comments.
