The WNBA franchise announced Wednesday that the Atlanta Dream has fired coach Tanisha Wright.
Wright, a longtime WNBA veteran, led the Dream to a 48-68 record over the past three seasons and made the playoffs this year and last.
Dream executive vice president and general manager Dan Badover said in a statement that parting ways with Wright was a “difficult decision.”
“Tanisha was a key contributor to our efforts to recreate the dream,” Badower said. “We would like to thank her for her hard work and dedication to her dream over the past three seasons and wish her the best in the future.
“At this time, we believe a change is necessary to lead our players and organization to the next chapter in our efforts to be the best team in the WNBA.”
Atlanta finished eighth this season at 15-25. The Dream lost in first-round 2-0 sweeps to the New York Liberty this year and to the Dallas Wings in 2023. Atlanta’s last winning streak came in 2018 under coach Nicky Colon. Baylor’s women’s team must take over before the 2021 season.
Wright played 14 seasons in the WNBA, 10 with the Seattle Storm. She helped them win the 2010 WNBA Championship.
The Dream has dealt with some key injuries this season, including 2022 No. 1 pick Ryn Howard missing 10 games. Ariel Powers missed 23 of the Dream’s 40 games, Jordin Canada missed 20 and Cheyenne Parker-Deuce missed 15.
Howard led the Dream in scoring with 17.3 points per game, and former MVP Tina Charles made a successful return to the WNBA after not playing in the league last season. Charles averaged 14.9 points and 9.6 rebounds and became the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder during the season.
Charles, who turned 36 in December, told ESPN in September that he would return next season. She and Wright are former WNBA teammates, and Charles credits Wright as one of the people who believed in her most when she returned to the league.
Wright is the third WNBA coach to be let go since the regular season ended on Sept. 19. The Los Angeles Sparks and Kurt Miller parted ways on September 24. Another former WNBA player, Teresa Weatherspoon, was fired by the Chicago Sky on September 19. 26.
