5 best candidates to replace Chris DeMarco as Liberty head coach

The New York Liberty are searching for another head coach, parting ways with Chris DeMarco after just one season. After winning the franchise's first WNBA championship in 2024, New York has now moved on from two coaches in back-to-back seasons.

DeMarco guided the Liberty to a 26-18 regular-season record and the Commissioner's Cup title. They made history by sweeping the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round of the playoffs. But their season ended with a semifinal sweep at the hands of the Atlanta Dream. 

With Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones still under contract, the Liberty need someone capable of maximizing their championship window.

Here are five candidates who make the most sense for New York.

1. Kristi Toliver, Phoenix Mercury associate head coach

Toliver should be at the top of the Liberty's list. She was a finalist for the position before DeMarco was hired and offers the combination of WNBA experience and NBA coaching background that New York should prioritize.

Toliver played 14 seasons in the WNBA, winning championships with the Los Angeles Sparks and Washington Mystics. She began her coaching career with the Washington Wizards in 2018 before joining the Dallas Mavericks and eventually becoming an associate head coach with the Phoenix Mercury.

Given her previous consideration for the job, New York should take another serious look at Toliver.

2. Stephanie White, Indiana Fever head coach

White might be the most accomplished available candidate if the Liberty can convince Indiana to let her go. She has extensive WNBA head-coaching experience, including leading the Connecticut Sun to a 28-12 record in 2024 and a semifinal appearance.

Her familiarity with the demands of coaching in the WNBA would be a significant upgrade in experience compared with DeMarco; however, there is a major obstacle. White has another guaranteed year remaining on her contract with Indiana. The Fever are also undergoing a front-office transition, which could affect her situation. New York would need to determine whether pursuing her is realistic.

3. Lindsey Harding, Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach

The former No. 1 overall pick played nine seasons in the WNBA, including the final season of her playing career with New York. She has since worked in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings before joining the Lakers.

Harding made history by becoming the first woman to win NBA G League Coach of the Year after leading the Stockton Kings to a 24-10 record in 2023-24. She was also previously considered for the Liberty job, but she’s also receiving attention from the Los Angeles Sparks, who are searching for a head coach of their own.

4. James Wade, former Chicago Sky head coach

Wade offers something the Liberty desperately need: proven experience winning in the WNBA. He coached the Chicago Sky from 2019 through 2023, earning Coach of the Year honors in 2019 and leading the franchise to its first championship in 2021.

Wade later left Chicago for an assistant coaching position with the Toronto Raptors. His departure from Chicago and the circumstances surrounding his move to Toronto could create questions about his fit, but his resume warrants consideration.

5. Jenny Boucek, Indiana Pacers assistant coach

Boucek is an experienced basketball coach with a lengthy history in the WNBA. She previously served as head coach of the Sacramento Monarchs and Seattle Storm before transitioning to the NBA, where she has worked with the Kings, Mavericks and Pacers.

Her time in Seattle is particularly notable because she coached Stewart during the early years of the forward's WNBA career. That existing familiarity could help her connect with one of New York's most important players. While she might not generate the same attention as some of the other candidates, she deserves a place in the conversation.