The New York Liberty have fired head coach Chris DeMarco, the team announced on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Liberty started 13-12 but got things going to finish 26-18 and earn the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. They defeated the No. 1-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the Atlanta Dream in the semifinals.
DeMarco expressed confidence after the Liberty were swept by the Dream that he would return in 2027. His players did not seem as sure, including two of the Liberty's Big 3 of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.“Those decisions aren’t ours,” Stewart said when she was asked about the the coach's future. “I think my focus and what I’m thinking about right now is just: missed opportunity.”
“I don’t know
what’s going to happen,” Ionescu said. “Regardless, thankful for him coaching us this year and giving us a chance, and we just fell short.”
DeMarco, 40, previously spent 14 seasons with the Warriors, including more than 10 seasons as an assistant coach, where he focused on individual skill development and systems. He earned four championships with Golden State in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.
The DeMarco replaced Sandy Brondello, who was fired in September of 2025 after four seasons. She was hired by the expansion Toronto Tempo.
DeMarco is the second head coach to be fired this offseason. The Los Angeles Sparks fired Lynne Roberts in September after they failed to make the playoffs.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liberty fire Chris DeMarco after late-season surge, playoff upset
