After 13 years with the Warriors, assistant coach Chris DeMarco concluded his time with the team following Golden State’s victory in Brooklyn on Monday night.
It seems like he’s already on to new opportunities.
DeMarco was at Barclays Center shortly after the Warriors secured a 120-107 win against the Nets. He had accepted the head coaching position at Liberty earlier in December, filling the role left vacant by Sandy Brondello after a lengthy search.
As he wrapped up his farewell to the Warriors, the team presented him with a bottle of water, offering congratulations and well-wishes for his future as the WNBA head coach.
In light of his new position, the Liberty organization expressed confidence in the competitive spirit DeMarco will bring to the East Coast.
The Liberty moved on from Brondello in the offseason, just shy of a year after winning the WNBA title in a gripping five-game series against the Lynx.
However, New York faced challenges last season, getting eliminated by the Phoenix Mercury in the first round of the playoffs.
DeMarco joined Golden State in 2012 as an assistant under then-coach Mark Jackson. When Steve Kerr stepped in as head coach in 2014, he quickly formed a bond with DeMarco and added him to his staff.
“Chris is a proven winner shaped by over a decade in one of basketball’s most successful dynasties,” said general manager Jonathan Kolb in a statement. “He’s experienced what it takes to establish championship standards. His clarity, adaptability, and focus on player development will be vital as we aim to enhance the New York Liberty for our players and fans.”
Since 2019, DeMarco has also served as the coach for the Bahamas Men’s National Team.
Kerr voiced strong support for DeMarco, describing Monday as a pivotal day for both of them.
“We just checked out his new office,” Kerr shared with reporters before the game. “It’s quite a change for him. He’s still involved with us but transitioning into this new role is a bit surreal. He’s been a fantastic coach and an even better friend, and I’ll miss him greatly. It’s hard to imagine not having him around after 12 years together.”
Known for his offensive strategies, DeMarco is expected to be instrumental in the development of Jordan Poole, who now plays for the Pelicans. During Golden State’s championship journey in 2022, Poole emerged as a key scorer off the bench, helping the team secure their fourth title in eight years.
In stepping into his new role in New York, DeMarco will take over a skilled team that includes veterans like Ionescu, Brianna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones.
