The Washington Mystics have announced that they are parting ways with coach Eric Thibault and general manager Mike Thibault.
Eric Thibault is the fifth coach in the WNBA to be let go this offseason, joining teams from Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. He took over as head coach after his father stepped down following the 2022 season. Before that, he spent 10 years as an assistant coach with the Mystics, including four years as the associate head coach.
This season, the Mystics ended with a record of 14-26, just missing the playoffs. They started the year with 12 consecutive losses and dealt with injuries to players Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes. The team also faced significant changes this offseason, with Elena Delle Donne not playing and Natasha Cloud moving to Phoenix.
“After extensive reflection and conversation, we have decided we are at a point in our competitive and evolutionary cycle to turn the team over to new leadership with a renewed vision to carve our path into the future of WNBA basketball,” said Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger.
“Coach Mike elevated the Mystics program to its proud status as a league leader in innovation, the standard bearer in player care, and a model franchise.”
Mike Thibault joined the team in 2012 as both GM and coach, leading them to their first championship in 2019. Under his leadership, the Mystics made the playoffs eight times, and he received the WNBA Coach of the Year award in 2013. He holds the record for the most wins in WNBA history, with 379.
“He built and coached the championship team, developed high-performing players, and pioneered many of the processes teams use today in building rosters and organizations. His fingerprints are all over this franchise and will be for years to come,” Winger said.
“We are grateful for Mike’s commitment, passion, and leadership and wish him well. Coach Eric is a skilled coach and equally talented motivator. Our players are fortunate to have played for Eric these past two seasons, as will many other players in this league for decades ahead.”
