Koclanes is no stranger to the WNBA — from 2016-22, he served as a defensive coordinator with the Connecticut Sun, working alongside Curt Miller, current Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager. He helped the team reach the 2019 and 2022 WNBA Finals as well as the 2020 and 2021 Semifinals. Koclanes went on to become the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023 and helped the squad rank No. 3 in defensive scoring average in the WNBA, lead the league in steals, and opponent turnovers.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings,” Koclanes said in a press release. “I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor and in the community. I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”
The Dallas Wings announced the news on X, formally known as Twitter. “Chris Koclanes has been named the Head Coach of the Dallas Wings,” the post read.
Currently in his second season as an assistant coach at USC, Koclanes helped the Trojans advance to the Elite Eight for the first time in 30 years in the 2023-24 season. He also helped the team finish the season with a 29-6 record — the schools most wins since 1985-86. Today, USC is seventh-ranked, with an 11-1 record so far in the 2024-25 season.
Kolcanes’s focus on defense as a coach has made an impact on the teams he’s been apart of, as seven of his players between 2019-23 combined for 12 WNBA All-Defensive Team certificates. One worth mentioning is Jasmine Thomas, who currently serves as Dallas Wings Vice President and Assistant General Manager.
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Koclanes graduated from Old Dominion University in 2010 and served as a scout team player and a manager with the Monarchs from 2008-10. In 2012, Koclanes started his basketball career in the operations department at the College of William & Mary. In 2013, he became a video coordinator at Saint Joseph’s University, while simultaneously obtaining a master’s degree in organization development and leadership.
The 2024 WNBA season saw little success for Dallas, as they finished second-to-last in rankings with a 9-31 record. The team, ultimately, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. After the season came to an end, the team decided to relieve Latricia Trammell of her head coaching duties. Koclanes will look to harness a revived energy for the team, which largely relies on the Wings’ upcoming No. 1 pick, to usher in a new and competitive era for Dallas.
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