Former Dream HC Tanisha Wright reacts to firing

The Atlanta Dream were swept in the playoffs for the second straight season in 2024, leading to change at head coach, with the firing of Tanisha Wright on Wednesday. 

Soon after the announcement, Wright shared her thoughts via a post on X. 

"Over the course of three years, this has been an incredible experience for me," Wright said. "I want to thank every player I've had the pleasure of coaching. You all fought hard to lay some incredible ground work, fought hard for the organization and fought hard for our culture — for that I am extremely thankful." 

When Wright took over the Dream, the franchise was coming off an 8-24 season. After helping orchestrate a six-win improvement in her first season, the Dream qualified for the postseason in back-to-back years for the first time since 2013 and 2014.

Behind Wright, the Dream built a strong core featuring Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Tina Charles. However, as Atlanta general manager Dan Padover said in a statement, the team believed a change was needed to get the franchise to the "next chapter." 

Wright's firing also brings up some hard conversations. 

Wright is the second Black women's head coach fired this season in the WNBA, joining Teresa Weatherspoon, who the Chicago Sky let go after only one season. Now, the league has only one remaining in Noelle Quinn of the Seattle Storm, who finished 2024 with a 25-15 record. 

Having Black representation on the bench in a budding league built on inclusion seems like an important point to hit. This is especially true after the issues that have come to the forefront recently, like Alyssa Thomas' complaints of racist comments following the Connecticut Sun's playoff series victory over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.