Los Angeles Sparks parted ways with head coach and GM Derek Fisher, the team announced Tuesday. Assistant coach Fred Williams will serve as interim bench boss for the remainder of the 2022 season.
“After a thorough evaluation of the state of our team, the Sparks and GM/Head Coach Derek Fisher have agreed to part ways,” Managing Partner Eric Holoman said. “On behalf of our ownership group, I want to thank Derek for his efforts and contributions to the Sparks franchise.”
Fisher won five championships as a player and served as the New York Knicks between 2014-2016. Fred Williams takes over with 30 years of experience in women’s basketball. He most recently served as head coach of the Tulsa Shock/Dallas Wings from 2014-2018.
Fisher was hired as head coach on Dec. 5, 2018, and named general manager on Dec. 22, 2020. In three seasons with the team, he had a 54-46 record. However, The Sparks’ 5-7 record to start the WNBA season was underwhelming.
Los Angeles started the year hoping to re-establish a winning culture and relevance in the WNBA. The storied franchise missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade last season, and made a number of high-profile moves this winter.
The LA franchise are turning their focus to the next game Saturday, June 11 against the top-seeded Las Vegas Aces.
Thank you Coach Fisher! pic.twitter.com/GIyyE5kGtg — Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 7, 2022
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