Portland Fire Names New Head Coach
The Portland Fire, one of the two WNBA expansion teams slated for the upcoming season, has appointed Alex Samara as its new head coach. Samara recently served as an assistant coach and director of player development with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He will be at the helm of the Fire, which is set to join the league in 2026, accompanied by the Toronto Tempo.
“Getting to build something from the ground up is truly a unique opportunity,” he mentioned. “At the Fire, we’re not just assembling a team. We’re looking to redefine the way the game is both taught and played, focusing on adaptability and using evidence-based methods. Our aim is to establish a new standard for the game.”
Before working with the Cavaliers, Samara had various coaching and player development roles with organizations like the London Lions, Paris Basketball, Rip City Remix, and NBA EMEA. He also founded Transforming Basketball, an initiative seeking to change how coaches instruct and players acquire skills. Fluent in English, Samara has led clinics in over 40 countries and consulted for multiple international federations and organizations.
General manager Vanya Chernivets expressed enthusiasm about the new appointment.
“Alex embodies the next wave of coaching,” Chernivets said. “He doesn’t just instruct players; he innovates. His player development philosophy, which is rooted in scientific research and creativity, aligns perfectly with our vision of making Portland a leading center for innovation in women’s sports.”
Four WNBA Head Coaching Positions Still Open
Meanwhile, four teams within the WNBA are currently in the process of selecting their new head coaches: the Seattle Storm, New York Liberty, Toronto Tempo, and Dallas Wings.
It’s unclear if the league will continue to focus on hiring coaches with NBA backgrounds, but Samara is the latest example of this trend. Just two years ago, Nate Tibbetts made a similar jump from the NBA to become the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury.
Aside from potential NBA candidates, several WNBA assistants are also in the running for head coaching positions. This includes Indiana Fever assistant Brianna January, Phoenix Mercury assistant Christy Toliver, and Liberty assistant Sonia Laman. Recently dismissed Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello might also be a contender.
Reports indicate that the search is believed to be heavily cast around Brondello, while the Storm is looking at January, Brondello, and others as possible replacements.
