The Washington Mystics announced on Monday the appointments of Jamila Wideman as the new general manager and Sydney Johnson as the team’s head coach.
Wideman brings a wealth of experience to the Mystics after a notable six-year tenure at the NBA league office, where she most recently held the position of senior vice president focused on player development. Johnson, on the other hand, has a five-year background with USA Basketball and served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky during the previous season.
Team president Michael Winger expressed confidence in the duo’s capabilities. He stated, “Jamila’s extensive experience, varied skill set, and commitment to nurturing the complete athlete make her the perfect candidate to lead the new chapter of Mystics Basketball.” He further added that “Sydney possesses a remarkable blend of wisdom, determination, and understanding, which will enhance our team’s performance and unify them under the fresh vision for this championship-caliber franchise.”
Wideman has a strong connection to the WNBA, having been a part of its inaugural draft class, where she was selected third overall by the Los Angeles Sparks. Her playing career also included stints with the Portland Fire and the Cleveland Rockers.
“I have deep roots in the WNBA and have been fortunate to engage with and observe the amazing individuals who are at the heart of our sport,” she noted. “The best players I’ve encountered exhibit core traits like curiosity, humility, and creativity. I am excited about building a Mystics team alongside the players, coaches, and staff that embodies these values.”
During her time at the NBA, Wideman played a significant role in various player development programs, managing collaborations with external organizations and leading initiatives related to mental health and wellness within the league.
Johnson’s journey into coaching began as an assistant at Georgetown University, and he later became head coach at Princeton University, his alma mater, where he achieved consecutive Ivy League Coach of the Year titles in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Raised in the Baltimore area, Johnson attended Towson Catholic High School before advancing to a head coaching position at Fairfield from 2011 to 2019.
Owner Ted Leonsis highlighted the significance of these appointments, stating, “The selection of Jamila and Sydney marks a crucial turning point for the Mystics and our fans — who are without a doubt the finest fans in the WNBA.” He expressed his enthusiasm for the shared vision of fostering a culture centered on performance, success, empathy, and innovation under the leadership of Winger, Wideman, and Johnson, especially as he prepares to celebrate 20 years as the owner of the team in 2025.
The new hires come in the wake of the departures of Mike Thibault and Eric Thibault from the roles of general manager and head coach. The Mystics concluded the last season with a record of 14-26, narrowly missing the playoffs after starting the campaign with 12 consecutive losses. The team also faced injuries to key players like Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes, along with significant roster adjustments, including Elena Delle Donne’s decision to sit out and Natasha Cloud’s move to Phoenix.
With Johnson’s hiring, all seven head coaching vacancies in the league have now been filled.
