Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Angel Reese, Sky Lose Coach to College Basketball Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sami Haider | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 2:56 PM ET

The Chicago Sky finished the 2025 season with a franchise-low 10–34 record, placing them last in the Eastern Conference. Despite the team's struggles, Angel Reese delivered a dominant sophomore campaign, averaging 14.7 points and a league-best 12.6 rebounds per game.

She became just the third player in WNBA history to average a double-double in each of her first two seasons. But her individual production couldn’t overcome a roster that struggled with depth and consistency.

Assistant coach Tanisha Wright was part of the staff focused on player development during this period. Wright joined head coach Tyler Marsh’s staff in Jan. 2025 after three seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Dream.

Tanisha Wright during gameWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

However, her tenure in Chicago was short-lived. On Wednesday, it became official that Wright is returning to her alma mater to become the next head women’s basketball coach at Penn State Lady Lions.

While the Sky was expected to retain Marsh despite the disappointing campaign, national women's college basketball and recruiting reporter Talia Goodman shared the news via ON3's source.

So, with Marsh likely remaining in the franchise, Wright's path back to the head coaching seat wasn't opening up in Chicago anytime soon, despite a season with absolute disappointment.

However, Wright returns to her alma mater as one of the most decorated "Lady Lions" in history. A four-year starter from 2001–2005, she scored 1,995 career points and remains the only player in conference history to win three consecutive Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Meanwhile, Penn State needs a complete rebuild, as the Lady Lions finished the season with an 11–18 overall record and placed 16th in the Big Ten. Wright’s solid resume includes a WNBA championship as a player and a scouting role for USA Basketball during the 2024 Olympics.

So, safe to say, she clearly has the credentials to recruit the talent Penn State is missing. Meanwhile, the Sky still needs to find a coach who can develop Reese and the rest of the roster next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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