The Connecticut Sun announced on Wednesday that they have appointed Rachid Meziane, the coach of the Belgium national women’s basketball team, as their new head coach, succeeding Stephanie White. Meziane achieved significant recognition by guiding the Belgium team to a commendable fourth-place finish at the recent Paris Olympics in August.
New general manager Morgan Tuck expressed enthusiasm about Meziane’s hiring, stating, “We are excited to welcome Rachid as the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun. His extensive experience, enthusiasm, and successful history in basketball will undoubtedly enhance our players and the team’s performance overall. Rachid’s commitment to fostering women’s basketball, both on a global scale and at home, provides valuable insight that aligns perfectly with our organization’s goals and values.”
Tuck, who ascended to the general manager role just a day earlier, indicated that White departed from the Sun to take a coaching position with the Indiana Fever. Meziane has been at the helm of the French women’s basketball team Villeneuve D’Ascq since 2019, leading them to win the Ligue Feminine de Basketball Championship and placing as EuroLeague runners-up during the 2023-24 season.
In his own statement, Meziane expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “It’s an honor to join a franchise like the Connecticut Sun, known for its rich history and dedicated fan support. I am eager to collaborate with our skilled roster and create a committed coaching staff, continuing to build on the Sun’s legacy while aiming for a championship.”
Currently, the Sun finds itself in a state of transition, with star players Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Brionna Jones all poised to enter free agency. Meanwhile, the WNBA continues to see openings for head coaching positions, with two roles still available after a wave of seven firings at the end of the season, particularly in teams like Dallas and Washington that are still searching for a new coach.