The New York Liberty has decided to part ways with coach Sandy Brondello, as announced by general manager Jonathan Kolb. This decision follows a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Phoenix Mercury and reflects a desire for proactive change within the organization. Kolb emphasized that this move is about embracing evolution and innovation in the franchise’s quest for sustained success.
Kolb stated, “These decisions mark fork-in-the-road moments for organizations. You can stand still or you can embrace change and move forward.” Brondello, who is the winningest coach in Liberty history, led the team to its first championship in 2024. However, the team’s performance declined in 2025, finishing with a record of 27-17 after starting the season with a promising 9-0 run.
In a season marred by injuries to key players such as Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty struggled to maintain consistency. They faced challenges with physicality, spacing, and notably, defense and rebounding. Kolb acknowledged that these issues have been persistent and are not solely attributed to bad luck with injuries.
Reflecting on the coaching change, Kolb noted that it was under consideration even before this season, indicating that the decision was not purely based on the results of the recent playoffs. He stated, “This is not a results-based organization. It’s about how do we position ourselves to be at the top of the league in a real sustainable way as the league evolves.”
Following the Liberty’s first-round playoff loss, several players, including two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, expressed their support for Brondello. Despite this, Kolb affirmed that while player input is valued, ultimate decisions rest with leadership. “There’s a level of trust that leadership will make decisions… and ultimately, the decision’s mine,” he remarked.
As the Liberty look ahead, the process to find Brondello’s successor is underway, although there is no set timeline. Kolb has made it clear that the organization is committed to a thorough search and will not rush to fill the position. He mentioned that they have a “clear vision” for what they want in a new coach but did not specify whether prior WNBA experience is required. Notably, the league has recently seen an increase in coaches with NBA backgrounds, such as Becky Hammon and Nate Tibbetts.
Kolb expressed confidence in retaining key players for the upcoming seasons, including Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. All three are set to become free agents this offseason, along with a significant number of WNBA veterans, as the league prepares for a new collective bargaining agreement. “I have the utmost confidence that they will want to return to Brooklyn in 2026,” Kolb stated.
The Liberty’s roster will undergo significant changes in the offseason. With only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally under contract for 2026, Kolb faces the challenge of constructing a competitive lineup. He acknowledged the unique opportunity presented this offseason, given the influx of free agents and a relatively clean salary cap. “We have a massive opportunity in front of us,” Kolb said, highlighting the potential for transformative changes within the franchise.
As the Liberty embark on this new chapter, the focus will be on establishing a strong foundation for the future while learning from the lessons of the past season. With a commitment to innovation and improvement, the organization aims to rise to new heights in the competitive landscape of the WNBA.