What Hiring USF’s Former Head Coach Means for the Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings have officially signed Jose Fernandez as their head coach, marking a significant step for the franchise, eager to recover after a difficult 10-34 season this year. Fernandez spent 25 years at the University of South Florida and has achieved the most wins in the program, having a 485-317 record with 12 20-win seasons. Over his tenure, he led the Bulls to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including eight of the 11 seasons, and produced seven WNBA Draft picks, including the two-time all-star Courtney Williams. His reputation at USF shows that he can develop talents, critical to the Wings as they’re looking to maximize the potential of their team, as well as star rookie Paige Bueckers. This move signals that the Wings are committed to a long-term, rebuilding strategy centered on emerging talent and veteran leadership, and building on the foundation laid by former coach Latricia Trammell. This reflects the Wings’ ongoing effort to refine their coaching strategy and team direction.
Fernandez inherited a roster featuring Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and four-time WNBA All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, who brings strong scoring and championship experience. Those two things combined, Bueckers’ dynamic playmaking and Ogunbowale’s veteran leadership, give Fernandez a strong foundation to rebuild around. Not only will he develop their talents, but his reputation as a disciplined and strong coach should help the team improve on last season’s defensive and offensive struggles. His previous connection to college coaching, particularly his familiarity with elite programs, may also help the Wings identify new talent during the draft and free agency. It’s suggested by analysts that with his guidance, the Wings can go from league bottom-dwellers to playoff contenders within a few seasons. This signing isn’t only a boost for the team but also for the Wings’ credibility in attracting future free agents.
With Fernandez now officially leading the team, the Wings have a renewed sense of stability and direction heading into the 2026 season. Like recent hires at other franchises, where successful college coaches are making the jump to the professional level, this transition signals a willingness to embrace new coaching perspectives while maintaining a proven track record. For Dallas, this means a more analytically driven approach to player development and game strategy. To support Bueckers and Ogunbowale, Fernandez can lean on players like Diamond Miller and Myisha Hines-Allen, whose shooting, playmaking, and defensive skills add balance to the Wings’ roster and maximize everyone’s strengths. With the Wings aimed to potentially secure a high draft pick in 2026, Fernandez’s influence could go well beyond this season, building a competitive, sustainable future for the Dallas Wings.
