As of late June this 2025 WNBA season, roughly more than a fourth of the season has been played regarding our 13 teams.
And while there are a few such as the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty that were expected to be at the top of the standings prior to the start of the season, others have vaulted themselves into the contenders’ chat.
And with that, there are a few coaches that, at this point in the season, are placing themselves firmly in the conversation for Coach of the Year. Without further ado, here are our selections for who deserves said honor.
Natalie Nakase – Golden State Valkyries
In our opinion, Nakase is the frontrunner of frontrunners for Coach of the Year.
Here is the case for Nakase. At the start of the season, many a WNBA prognosticator (including ourselves for full disclosure) predicted that the Golden State Valkyries would do what many expansion teams do – struggle, struggle and struggle some more.
The Valks did not get the memo that they are an expansion team that should be riding the struggle bus (or should we say, struggle cable car). As of this writing, Golden State is 7-6 and recently scored a big victory over the Indiana Fever (with Caitlin Clark healthy).
With names such as Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, Chloe Bibby, Veronica Burton and even Laeticia Amihere emerging as signature players, Golden State is becoming a tough out for all comers.
In addition, the franchise was recently valued at worth over $500 million and Chase Center is selling out regularly. Balhalla is in the building.
Sydney Johnson – Washington Mystics
With all of the roster and front office changes that Washington underwent over the offseason, it was difficult envisioning in any way the Mystics would be contenders. Elena Delle Donne retiring. Mike and Eric Thibault resigning from their respective posts.
Not to mention having three draft picks in the first round – two in the lottery. Except for one thing.
The two draft picks that have been healthy are turning out to be massive successes. Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have put themselves firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation. Iriafen, as of the last count, is in the top 10 in All-Star votes.
Add the veteran presence of a Brittney Sykes and Washington has a real chance of qualifying for postseason play.
Karl Smesko – Atlanta Dream
When the Dream tapped Smesko to succeed in Tanisha Wright’s stead as head coach, one had to know that Atlanta would thrive from behind the 3-point line given what he did at FGCU.
When a team has markswomen such as Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, opponents already have a tough time guarding the 3-point shot. In addition, the drafting of Te-Hina Paopao was a vintage Smesko move that only makes the Dream even more deep from deep.
As of this writing, that move, plus adding Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones has paid dividends. The Dream are 10-4 and are finally resembling the team we felt they would following the drafting of Howard in 2022. That 10-4 record for Atlanta would have it as the fourth seed in the playoffs if they were to begin today.
Nate Tibbetts – Phoenix Mercury
Tibbetts may be a bit lower on the rung in our eyes than Nakase or Johnson in our eyes, but what the Mercury underwent over the offseason somewhat mirrored what Washington did – at least on-court.
Seeing franchise cornerstones such as Diana Taurasi (retirement) and Brittney Griner (Atlanta Dream) call it a career in purple and orange can lead many a team into an extended rebuild. Instead, Tibbetts and Nick U’Ren examined the Mercury roster.
Phoenix already had a returning Kahleah Copper. In addition, the Mercury took advantage of two other franchises undergoing rebuilds (Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun) by adding Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas. The result – an 11-4 season which would have the Mercury as the fourth seed in the postseason if it was to begin today.
Noelle Quinn – Seattle Storm
If one were to look up the word “turmoil” in the dictionary, it would be tempting to look quizzically at said definition if it did not include the Storm’s logo.
Losing Jewell Loyd – a franchise cornerstone for many years can lead to a rebuild for many a franchise. Seattle was expected by many a prognosticator to make the playoffs but not be in the same class as Minnesota, New York, Indiana or the Las Vegas Aces.
Instead, the Storm appears to be a team that looks more experienced than old. Nneka Ogwumike looks like Nneka Ogwumike. Skylar Diggins looks like Skylar Diggins. Erica Wheeler and Gabby Williams have been revelations for this team.
This team already has victories over New York and Las Vegas plus it is the lone team – as of this writing – to place Minnesota in the loss column. The Storm are playing with a bevy of confidence.
