Connecticut Sun Hire Rachid Meziane as Head Coach, Prompting Debate Over Gender Representation

The French coach brings international success to the WNBA, but fans question the increasing number of male coaches in the league.

Rachid Meziane, a French coach with a decorated career in international basketball, has been named the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun.
Meziane previously coached Villeneuve d’Ascq to a Ligue Feminine de Basketball Championship and a EuroLeague runner-up finish, as well as leading Belgium to their first FIBA European Women’s Championship gold medal in 2023.
The hiring continues a trend of male coaches entering the WNBA, with four men now leading teams in the 12-team league, sparking concerns from fans about gender equity in coaching roles.
Connecticut Sun leadership praised Meziane’s basketball IQ and international experience, citing his ability to elevate the team and align with the organization's vision for success.
The move comes during a period of significant coaching turnover in the WNBA, with six head coach vacancies filled this offseason and two positions still open for the Wings and Mystics.