The room was calm, but the subject was not.
Angel Reese confirmed this week that she viewed the Chicago Sky decision to dismiss Teresa Weatherspoon as “very unfortunate,” marking the first time the franchise’s young star addressed the move in detail.
The Sky fired Weatherspoon shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 WNBA season, ending her tenure after just one year. Chicago finished with a 13-27 record, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and chose not to retain the first-time head coach despite visible player development during a transitional year.
Weatherspoon, a longtime assistant at both the professional and collegiate levels, was hired in late 2023 to guide a roster undergoing heavy turnover. The Sky entered the season with one of the league’s youngest cores, anchored by rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Both players earned WNBA All-Rookie Team honors, according to official league announcements. Reese led all rookies in rebounds and ranked among the league leaders overall, a notable achievement on a rebuilding team.
“I think you move with a lot of grace… It was very unfortunate for a lot of us, more than you know. I kind of took from it like, I always told you, people always come in your life for a reason and a season…
Reese and Weatherspoon address the decision publicly
Reese spoke openly about the coaching change on her Unapologetically Angel podcast, where Weatherspoon appeared as a guest. Rather than expressing frustration, Reese emphasized gratitude and perspective. She described the firing as difficult for players who had built trust with the staff and credited Weatherspoon for empowering her during her rookie season.
“People come into your life for a reason and a season,” Reese said, underscoring how much the coach-player relationship shaped her early success. Analysts throughout the season echoed that sentiment, noting that Reese’s confidence and role clarity accelerated her growth.
Weatherspoon, meanwhile, shared her own account of the dismissal. She explained that she received a phone call informing her of the decision after a scheduled meeting was canceled. She said she never received a clear explanation face to face, calling the process disappointing. Subsequent reporting from ESPN and the Chicago Sun-Times confirmed that the Sky framed the move as part of a long-term rebuild.
Coaching turnover and the cost of short patience in the WNBA
The decision reflected a growing trend across the WNBA, where coaching patience has shortened as expectations rise. Several franchises in recent seasons have moved on from head coaches after brief tenures, even during roster resets. Chicago’s case stood out, however, because individual player development clearly outpaced team results.
“I’m always going to be respectful regardless of situations. And I expect the same. But I didn’t get that. It wasn’t the best feeling, but it was their choice…
Following Weatherspoon’s exit, the Sky hired Tyler Marsh as head coach for the 2025 season. Like his predecessor, Marsh entered the role without prior WNBA head coaching experience. The outcome was similar. Chicago finished 10-34, ranked near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency for most of the season, and dealt with injuries to key players including Reese and veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot.
Despite the struggles, Reese publicly supported Marsh, urging patience and accountability within the locker room. League observers noted that her leadership voice continued to grow alongside her on-court production during a second consecutive rebuilding year.
“I got a phone call and a cancellation of my meeting. But I chose to have a meeting for a face-to-face conversation, and in the conversation, I never got an answer, and I st.ill don’t.
Chicago adjusts course as 2026 approaches
As the 2026 WNBA season approaches, the Sky have adjusted again, adding experienced coach Latricia Trammell as an assistant. Trammell’s prior head coaching stints with the Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks signal a shift toward blending development with veteran structure.
For Reese, the message has remained consistent. Coaching stability matters, process matters, and how decisions are handled can linger longer than the standings.
This article is based on verified reporting from ESPN, the Chicago Sun-Times, and WNBA.com, along with statements made by Angel Reese and Teresa Weatherspoon on the Unapologetically Angel podcast. Season records, awards, and efficiency rankings were cross-checked with official WNBA statistics and team releases.
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