The New York Liberty have decided not to renew the contract of head coach Sandy Brondello, marking a significant change for the franchise. General manager Jonathan Kolb emphasized that the decision was proactive rather than reactive, stemming from the belief that the team needs to embrace change to achieve sustained success in the league. “These decisions mark fork-in-the-road moments for organizations,” Kolb stated during a press conference. “You can stand still or you can embrace change and move forward.”
Brondello made history as the winningest coach in Liberty’s history, leading the team to its first championship in 2024. However, the subsequent season proved challenging as injuries plagued the roster, resulting in a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Phoenix Mercury as the No. 5 seed.
Despite her achievements, Kolb clarified that the decision to part ways with Brondello was not solely based on the team’s performance during the 2025 season. He noted that considerations for a coaching change were “very much under consideration last season.” Kolb remarked, “This is not a results-based organization. It’s about how do we position ourselves to be at the top of the league in a real sustainable way as the league evolves.”
While players, including two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, advocated for Brondello after their playoff loss, Kolb highlighted the importance of leadership making tough decisions. He asserted, “There’s a level of trust that leadership will make decisions… and ultimately, the decision’s mine.”
Looking ahead, Kolb expressed confidence in retaining star players Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones as they enter free agency this offseason. He believes they will want to remain with the Liberty as the team navigates significant changes.
The search for Brondello’s successor will not be rushed, according to Kolb, who stated that the organization is committed to finding the right fit. He mentioned that they have a “clear vision” for the future but did not specify the qualities they seek in the next coach. Kolb indicated that they would not limit their search to candidates with WNBA experience, especially as the league sees an influx of coaches with NBA backgrounds.
“We need to nail this,” Kolb emphasized, underscoring the importance of making a well-considered choice. Brondello, who has a commendable coaching record of 107-53 over four seasons, ranks sixth in all-time WNBA coaching wins, trailing only Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx among those active in 2025.
Following a strong title run in 2024, the Liberty experienced a significant decline in performance, finishing the 2025 season with a 27-17 record. Kolb noted that the team’s struggles this season extended beyond injuries, citing issues with physicality, spacing, and a noticeable regression in defense and rebounding.
Kolb faces a multifaceted challenge this offseason, not only in seeking a new head coach but also in shaping the roster for the upcoming season. Currently, only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract for 2026, presenting the Liberty with a unique opportunity in the free agency landscape. “We have a massive opportunity in front of us,” Kolb stated, alluding to the potential roster changes and a relatively clean salary cap.
As the Liberty embark on this new chapter, the organization aims to build a competitive team capable of contending for championships in the evolving landscape of the WNBA.
