The Los Angeles Sparks today hired Brian Agler as their coach, filling the vacancy caused by the firing of Carol Ross 22 games into the 2014 season.
Agler is the winningest coach in women’s professional basketball history with a combined 262 victories in the WNBA and defunct American Basketball League.
“In what was a very extensive search to find a talented leader and winner to be our head coach, Brian stood out as the right person to lead the Sparks,” said Sparks Executive Vice President and general manager Penny Toler.
“A proven winner, Brian’s experience and leadership will energize our offense and challenge our defense to return the Sparks to a championship caliber team.”
Toler guided the Sparks to a 6-6 record as interim coach to conclude the regular season. They lost to the Phoenix Mercury, two games to none in the Western Conference semifinals.
Agler coached the WNBA’s Seattle Storm from 2008-2014, guiding it to playoff berths each of his first six seasons and the league championship in 2010, when he was named as coach of the year.
Agler also coached the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx from 1999-2002 and the ABL’s Columbus Quest from 1996-1999, guiding them to championships in the 1996- 97 and 1997-98 seasons.
“I am excited about the possibilities with the Sparks,” Agler said.
“The Sparks roster is comprised of MVP’s, Olympians and All-Stars who have won championships. WNBA titles do not come easy, but as Sparks head coach I am confident that together with our talented roster we will position ourselves to compete for another WNBA championship for the city of Los Angeles.”
