The Washington Mystics have announced their decision to part ways with both head coach Eric Thibault and general manager Mike Thibault, as revealed on Wednesday. This marks a significant shift within the organization following a challenging season.
Eric Thibault becomes the fifth coach in the WNBA to be dismissed during this offseason, joining his counterparts from Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. He stepped into the head coaching role for the Mystics after the 2022 season, having previously dedicated a decade as an assistant coach within the franchise, four of those years as associate head coach. This season, the Mystics finished with a disappointing record of 14-26, narrowly missing the playoffs. Additionally, the team has experienced substantial changes over the offseason, notably with the absence of Elena Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud’s departure to Phoenix.
“After thorough reflection and discussions, we believe we’ve reached a stage in our competitive journey where new leadership is necessary to guide our team toward future success in WNBA basketball,” stated Michael Winger, President of Monumental Basketball. “Coach Mike played a fundamental role in transforming the Mystics into a premier franchise recognized for innovation and a standard-bearer for player care.”
Mike Thibault joined the Mystics in 2012, taking on the dual role of general manager and head coach. Under his guidance, the team captured its inaugural championship title in 2019 and made eight playoff appearances. He was honored with the WNBA Coach of the Year award in 2013, highlighting his impactful tenure with the team.
“Mike was instrumental in building and coaching the championship-winning squad, nurturing talented players, and implementing effective strategies that set benchmarks for roster and organizational development. His contributions to this franchise will resonate for years to come,” Winger added. “We are incredibly thankful for Mike’s dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership throughout his time with us and wish him all the best. Eric is an exceptional coach and a powerful motivator. Our players have been fortunate to have his guidance over the past two seasons and many others in the league will benefit from his expertise in the future.”