On September 23, 2025, the New York Liberty organization announced that they were not renewing coach Sandy Brondello’s contract. In other words, she was fired. For most, the firing of coach Sandy was a huge shocker, but apparently, there had been rumblings. The mainstream media brought this to light during the final New York Liberty post-game press conference, after being eliminated in the first playoff round, a reporter from the New York Post asked the pointed question to Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, with Sandy Brondello sitting awkwardly in the middle, “what would you say to those who are questioning whether Sandy should be here next year to coach you guys again?”
Breanna Stewart’s reaction instantly became meme-able
Stewart was caught off guard, goes, “What the f——” and exchanges glances with teammate Ionescu. Stewart defended Coach Sandy and said she planned on returning next season, adding that she and her teammates have Coach Sandy’s back. It now seems that the players were alone in this backing.
Online rumors swirl as the Liberty begin their search for their next head coach. Some have floated the idea of former New York Liberty legend Teresa Weatherspoon (T-Spoon) as becoming Sandy’s replacement, and here is where I think this is headed. If the team did not renew Coach Sandy’s contract to bring in T-Spoon, that’s a separate conversation. However, if we look at the stats, Sandy just came off a championship, and T-Spoon was unceremoniously let go from the Chicago Sky after her first coaching year, which proved to be a poor move, as the Chicago Sky ended their season 10-34, compared to last year’s 13-27. Also, let’s not forget who she was replaced by, a male coach, as is the new Dallas Wings coach. So, are the Liberty going down that route and seeking a male head coach, or are they making way for T-Spoon?