New York Liberty Part Ways with Head Coach Chris DeMarco
October 4, 2026: Chris DeMarco on the sidelines during the WNBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Dream. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The New York Liberty are set to enter the offseason in search of their third head coach in as many years.
On Tuesday, the franchise announced the dismissal of Chris DeMarco after a single season at the helm. Under his guidance, the Liberty achieved a 26-18 record during the regular season and claimed the Commissioner’s Cup championship. They also managed a remarkable playoff sweep against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round.
The team’s official social media platforms confirmed the firing with a farewell message alongside DeMarco’s photo: “Thank you, Coach DeMarco.”
At 41 years old, DeMarco was under contract for the upcoming 2027 season, which also includes core players such as Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones.
Following the team’s elimination by Atlanta in the WNBA semifinals, DeMarco expressed optimism about his future with the Liberty. Ionescu, however, revealed that she was not in a position to influence the direction of the coaching staff.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Ionescu stated. “Regardless, I’m thankful for him coaching us this year and giving us a chance, even though we fell short.”
DeMarco, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, began his WNBA coaching career this season. He succeeded Sandy Brondello, who posted a 27-17 record in 2025 and led the team to a championship title in 2024, alongside a runner-up finish in 2023.
General manager Jonathan Kolb now faces the task of hiring his fourth head coach since 2019.
–Field Level Media
Chief Editor of Quincy City Beat — Quincy, MA's independent investigative newspaper covering Greater Boston and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts with fearless public accountability and free access for all readers.
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