Curt Miller and Chris Koclanes have established a strong rapport through their years of coaching together with the Connecticut Sun.
Koclanes was officially named the head coach of the Dallas Wings on Thursday, with Miller, the team’s newly appointed general manager, in attendance.
The two previously collaborated in Connecticut from 2016 to 2022, during which time they played instrumental roles in leading the Sun to the WNBA Finals in both 2019 and 2022.
Miller recently took on the general manager position for the Wings last month.

Koclanes expressed enthusiasm about stepping into his first head coaching position, stating that having Miller by his side is a significant advantage.
“Curt has provided me with opportunities to push myself and prepare for this moment,” Koclanes mentioned.
He added that having Miller as a “thought partner” is invaluable, noting that Miller will do everything possible to assist and support him in his new role.

In his comments, Miller emphasized the need for a coach capable of fostering a positive culture characterized by integrity, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.
Although Koclanes met all these criteria, Miller revealed that their close relationship presented a challenge during the hiring process.
“At one point, Greg (Bibb) asked me why I was hesitant to hire him. If he’s the best fit, we should proceed,” Miller recalled.

With eight years of experience in the WNBA, Koclanes now ranks as the fourth most experienced head coach in the league.
Under his leadership, the Sun consistently excelled defensively, finishing among the top three teams in various defensive metrics, including opponent scoring average and shooting percentages.

Miller stated that his primary objective is to assemble the best possible roster for Koclanes.
“My role is to focus on the franchise while also helping create a team that Chris would enjoy coaching,” Miller explained.
He likened his contributions to a chef receiving quality ingredients for their culinary creations.

The Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft after winning the lottery.
They parted ways with former coach Latricia Trammell in October after a challenging two-season stint, during which the team recorded a 31-49 overall record, including a 2-3 playoff performance.
The Wings’ recent season saw them finish with a 9-31 record, marking their first time missing the WNBA postseason since 2020.

“This is a crucial moment for the Dallas Wings, coinciding with the launch of a new practice facility and an upgraded arena,” Miller noted.
“With the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, the future looks extremely promising.”