Last month, the Minnesota Lynx came a possession short of a WNBA championship.
Then, they saw two key personnel depart the franchise in favor of other opportunities — assistant coach Katie Smith took a coaching role with her alma mater, Ohio State, while general manager Clare Duwelius pivoted to become Unrivaled’s general manager.
But, the Lynx made a series of moves to help fortify Cheryl Reeve’s coaching staff. On Saturday, the organization announced two new assistant coach hires: former standout player Lindsay Whalen and long-time WNBA coach Eric Thibault.
Whalen, a four-time WNBA champion with the Lynx who served as head coach at the University of Minnesota for five seasons, was a sideline staple throughout Lynx’s Finals run, and now will officially rejoin the organization in a new capacity.
Eric Thibault, who served as head coach of the Washington Mystics before fired earlier this fall, finds a new home in the WNBA.
“I am excited to add both Eric and Lindsay to our coaching staff,” said Reeve, who has served as the head coach of the Lynx since 2010. “Eric has vast experience coaching in the WNBA as both a head and an assistant coach and is a WNBA Champion. Lindsay adds a unique perspective as a Lynx legend and Naismith Hall of Famer. I look forward to working with both in our quest for another WNBA Championship.”
Thibault was let go by the Mystics after two seasons as head coach. Prior to that, he served as an assistant for 10 seasons, under his father, Mike’s, leadership.
Whalen, a franchise legend, hasn’t coached since 2023, when she completed a stint at the University of Minnesota.
Lindsay Whalen brings the perspective of a former player
Lindsay Whalen was the point guard on four Lynx championship teams. For her career, she averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 assists per game. Her jersey was retired by Minnesota in 2019, and she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Whalen is not the first former player on the coaching staff; Rebekka Brunson, who was Lynx teammates with Whalen for nine season — including the four championships — has served as an assistant coach on the Lynx for five seasons.
“I think it’s what makes us so unique at Minnesota; we have people who’ve been through what we’re going through,” Collier told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. “They won so many championships in the place they’re coaching and we’re playing at now.”
Whalen was often seen coaching up the Lynx from the sidelines as she sat courtside as games throughout the playoffs, even traveling to New York for Game 5.
She is one of the winngest player in league history; she’s amassed 323 career victories (second-most all-time behind Sue Bird, 333) and 54 postseason wins (second-most all-time behind Brunson, 57). Whalen should help elevate Courtney Williams, who effectively served as the Lynx’s point guard last season.
Eric Thibault brings extensive WNBA coaching experience
Thibault’s roots with the Mystics are deep, and so is his understanding of the WNBA landscape.
“It was very clear the team continued to trust in what they were doing, trusted each other, trusted the leadership of Eric,” Reeve said to ESPN.
Whalen played for Mike Thibault for six seasons on the Connecticut Sun, and their families have long been intertwined.
“I’m so excited to be back with the Lynx and back with Coach and Becky [Rebekkah Brunson],” Whalen said. “Eric and I have also known each other for a long time, and for me, I couldn’t imagine joining a better staff as I return to coaching and get my first opportunity to coach in the WNBA. We have a special group with this team and I can’t wait to get to work.”
For those keeping track, Thibault becomes the second fired head coach to find a new home in the WNBA. Curt Miller, who was let go by the Sparks, is the new general manager of the Dallas Wings. (Stephanie White, who departed the Connecticut Sun on her own accord, was named the new head coach of the Indiana Fever soon after).
On the flip side, Teresa Weatherspoon (Chicago Sky), Tanisha Wright (Atlanta Dream), and Latricia Trammell (Atlanta Dream) all have yet to announce their next moves in the WNBA — if one is to come, that is. Weatherspoon will be coaching in Unrivaled during the WNBA offseason, though that doesn’t preclude her from also getting involved in the WNBA.
At a moment in which so many teams are completely rebuilding their coaching staffs, the Lyxn will benefit from the continued leadership of Cheryl Reeve, one of the most decorated head coaches in WNBA history. At the same time, the organization very likely nailed their two assistant coaching hires, bringing in a former player who has already showcased a meaningful connection with the players, while also hiring someone with extensive and proven WNBA experience. With the majority of Minnesota’s core returning, Lindsay Whalen and Eric Thibault should help bolster the Lynx’s title chances next season.
