Liberty Coach Chris DeMarco’s Future Under Scrutiny

After the Liberty’s semifinal defeat, head coach Chris DeMarco expressed his expectation to return in 2027.

When asked if he had spoken with general manager Jonathan Kolb regarding his future, DeMarco replied, “As far as I know, every communication I’ve had, the answer is yes.”

DeMarco’s job status is now in question, just a year after he took the role, following the team’s playoff exit at the hands of the Dream.

In the aftermath of the game, players Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart did not endorse DeMarco’s return. Ionescu remarked, “I don’t know what’s going to happen. Regardless, thankful for him coaching us this year and giving us a chance and we just fell short.”

Stewart noted, “Those decisions aren’t ours. I think my focus and what I’m thinking about right now is just: missed opportunity.”

Kolb acknowledged the challenge of replacing Sandy Brondello just one year after she led the team to its first WNBA championship. He admitted that he needed to ensure the next hire was a solid decision.

“Ultimately we determined that evolution and innovation is what is needed at this time,” Kolb stated.

Following an exhaustive search, the Liberty opted for DeMarco, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Warriors.

While DeMarco had experience as a head coach with the Bahamian men’s national team, he was relatively new to the role. His management of late-game scenarios and adjustments during games often revealed his inexperience, with the timeout error in Game 2 against the Dream being a notable example.

The team concluded the regular season with a 26-18 record—one less than the previous year—and entered the playoffs as the eighth seed, down from fifth place in 2025.