Five potential head-coaching candidates for Sparks after Lynne Roberts firing

The Los Angeles Sparks are looking for a new head coach.

Los Angeles fired Lynne Roberts on Friday after two seasons, ending a tenure that produced a 37-51 record. The Sparks finished the year 16-28, their sixth straight season without a postseason appearance.

The Sparks recently hired Ariana Andonian as their new general manager, and she will oversee roster construction, player personnel, scouting and the franchise's long-term basketball strategy. 

Here are five potential candidates to replace Roberts.

Kristi Toliver

The former Sparks star would also understand the organization from the inside. Toliver played for Los Angeles and helped the franchise win the 2016 WNBA championship. Toliver has transitioned into coaching and currently works as an assistant with the Phoenix Mercury. 

Lindsey Harding

Harding represents one of the more unconventional paths into the WNBA.

The former WNBA player is currently an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers under JJ Redick. Before joining the Lakers, Harding became the first woman to win NBA G League Coach of the Year after leading the Stockton Kings during the 2023-24 season.

She has also already been considered for other WNBA head-coaching opportunities.

Teresa Weatherspoon

The former WNBA star spent the 2024 season as head coach of the Chicago Sky before the organization moved on after one season. She previously spent time on the New Orleans Pelicans' coaching staff and has built a reputation as a player-development and culture-focused coach.

A return to the WNBA would give Weatherspoon another opportunity to lead a team, this time with a Sparks organization that has several young pieces to develop.

Briann January

January could be one of the more intriguing first-time head-coaching candidates.

The former WNBA guard is currently an assistant with the Indiana Fever after previously coaching with the Connecticut Sun. As a player, January spent 14 seasons in the league and won a championship with Indiana in 2012. She was also a seven-time All-WNBA Defensive Team selection.

Ebony Hoffman

The most familiar candidate might already be in the Sparks' building.

Hoffman is currently an assistant coach in Los Angeles and previously spent three seasons as an assistant with the Seattle Storm. She also played 11 seasons in the WNBA, including time with the Sparks, and was a three-time All-Conference selection at USC.