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Jose Fernandez Introduced as Wings Coach, Puts Paige Bueckers at Center of Reset

The longtime USF coach promised an accountability-first culture tailored to Bueckers as Dallas faces an offseason of expansion, free agency uncertainty, draft positioning.

Overview

  • Fernandez was formally unveiled in Dallas and vowed, “This won’t be the same old Dallas Wings… change is coming, and we’re gonna win,” after 25 seasons and 485 wins at USF.
  • He said his half-court and open-floor concepts will fit Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, citing Geno Auriemma’s confidence in her execution and shot-making.
  • General manager Curt Miller described close collaboration on an expansion draft, a large free-agent class and the draft lottery, with only five players under contract for 2026.
  • Fernandez outlined core principles of accountability, trust and truth, plus a hard-running, spacing-driven style designed to make roles clear and elevate player development.
  • Dallas holds the best lottery odds and will spend the next several months evaluating talent, including a planned UConn scouting trip before training camp opens in late April.