New York Liberty Moves On from Coach Sandy Brondello
The New York Liberty has decided not to renew the contract of head coach Sandy Brondello, a move that general manager Jonathan Kolb described as “proactive” rather than reactive. Kolb emphasized that the decision arises from a need for “evolution and innovation” within the organization. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “These decisions mark fork-in-the-road moments for organizations… my commitment is to keep pushing the New York Liberty to new heights.”
Brondello, who holds the record as the winningest coach in franchise history, led the Liberty to their first championship in 2024. However, the team faced a challenging season in 2025, plagued by injuries that resulted in an early exit from the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, losing to the Phoenix Mercury.
Despite her success, Kolb noted that the decision to part ways with Brondello was not solely influenced by the recent playoff results. He revealed that a coaching change had been “very much under consideration last season,” stating, “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.”
The decision comes after multiple players, including two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, publicly supported Brondello following the team’s playoff loss. Kolb acknowledged the importance of player feedback but maintained that leadership must ultimately make tough decisions. “We pride ourselves in being a player-led organization… there’s a level of trust that leadership will make decisions… and ultimately, the decision’s mine,” he stated.
Looking to the future, Kolb expressed confidence that star players such as Stewart, 2020 No. 1 pick Sabrina Ionescu, and 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones will remain with the Liberty through the 2026 season. All three players, along with many other veterans, are free agents this offseason, coinciding with a new collective bargaining agreement in the league.
Kolb has not established a timeline for hiring Brondello’s successor and emphasized the importance of taking the necessary time to find the right fit. He refrained from disclosing specific criteria for the next head coach but indicated that they have a “clear vision” for the team’s future. When asked about the necessity of WNBA experience for the next coach, Kolb stated that they would not limit their search, noting the successful influx of coaches with NBA backgrounds in recent years.
“We need to nail this,” Kolb asserted. “If we’re going to make a bold decision like this, our players deserve to get the best, and so we’ll take the time necessary.”
Brondello’s tenure with the Liberty spanned four seasons, during which she achieved a record of 107-53. Her 271 career wins make her the sixth most successful coach in WNBA history, trailing only Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx among those active in 2025.
The Liberty faced significant challenges during the 2025 season, dropping from a robust 32-8 in 2024 to a 27-17 finish, marking the second-largest decline in win percentage in the league. The team started strongly with a 9-0 record but struggled with injuries to key players, leading to a lack of consistency. Brondello was forced to utilize a record-tying 18 starting lineups throughout the season.
Kolb identified persistent issues as contributing factors to the team’s struggles, including a lack of response to physical play, spacing difficulties, and a noticeable decline in defense and rebounding performance. “I think we want to get back to being who we have been,” he remarked, “but also solving the problems that we still found success through.”
As Kolb prepares for the offseason, he faces the dual challenge of finding a new head coach and constructing the roster for the upcoming season. Currently, only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract for 2026. “We have a massive opportunity in front of us,” Kolb noted, highlighting the potential for significant changes in the league with numerous free agents available. “This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many franchises.”
As the Liberty embark on this new chapter, the organization is poised to make strategic decisions aimed at reclaiming their position as a dominant force in the WNBA.
