The New York Liberty’s general manager, Jonathan Kolb, has revealed that the decision not to renew coach Sandy Brondello’s contract was not an impulsive reaction, but a “proactive” strategy based on the need for “evolution and innovation.” Kolb explained that these decisions mark crucial points for organizations, allowing them to choose between stagnation or embracing change. Her commitment is to propel the Liberty towards new goals. Brondello, who was the coach with the most victories in the franchise’s history and led the Liberty to their first championship in 2024, saw the team fall in the first round of the playoffs this year against the Phoenix Mercury. Kolb clarified that the decision was not based solely on the results of this season, and that the possibility of a coaching change had already been considered the previous season.
The coaching change came after several players, including two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, expressed their support for Brondello following the loss in the third game against the Mercury. Kolb stated that, although they pride themselves on being a player-led organization, management will make important decisions. Kolb is confident that Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones will want to return to Brooklyn in 2026. These three players, along with almost all WNBA veterans, will be free agents this offseason as the league prepares for a new collective bargaining agreement. There is no defined deadline to hire Brondello’s replacement, and the organization is not in a hurry. Kolb declined to give details about what they are looking for in the new coach, but assured that they have a “clear vision”. When asked if the next Liberty coach needs to have WNBA experience, Kolb indicated that they will not limit their search. The league has seen the arrival of coaches with NBA experience in recent years, such as Becky Hammon of Las Vegas and Nate Tibbetts of Phoenix. Brondello, with extensive experience in the WNBA as a player and coach, had a 107-53 record in four seasons with the Liberty. Her 271 wins as a coach are the sixth-most in WNBA history. New York seemed capable of defending the title with a 9-0 start in 2025, before injuries affected Jones, Stewart, and other players. Brondello used 18 different starting lineups due to availability issues. Kolb pointed out that the Liberty’s problems this year, in addition to injuries, have been the same as in other years: lack of response to aggressiveness, spacing problems and, especially this season, a setback in defense and rebounding. Kolb will have a big job this offseason, not only looking for a new coach, but also building next year’s roster. Only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract for 2026. Kolb concluded by stating that they have a “massive opportunity” ahead, similar to that of many teams with the number of available free agents and a favorable financial situation.This is not a results-based organization. It’s about how we position ourselves to be at the top of the league in a truly sustainable way as the league evolves.
Jonathan Kolb
