WNBA legend Lisa Leslie was a candidate for two head coaching jobs during the offseason. She did not get either job and does not plan to try again in the near or distant future.
The 52-year-old is now focused on fixing Angel Reese instead!
Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA champion, also won four gold medals at the Olympics with the United States National Team in Atlanta, Sydney, Athens and Beijing. Her number is retired by the Los Angeles Sparks and University of Southern California. She recorded 6,263 points, 3,307 rebounds and 822 blocks during her career and was elected into the Hall of Fame.
Lisa Leslie is one of the all-time greats.
However, two different WNBA teams decided not to hire her as their next head coach as recently as November. It is not entirely clear as to which two teams chose to pass, but she was not picked for either job.
Lisa Leslie speaks on putting her name in for two WNBA teams and not getting picked 🤯
— 🧸. (@drippinnglo) February 13, 2025
“I would never make another attempt.. you gotta be 10x as great as a black woman in this industry” pic.twitter.com/GZqk9yI4py
The Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, Los Angeles Sparks, Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever made coaching changes during the offseason. Indiana was focused on Stephanie White from the jump so the Fever can likely be ruled out as one of Leslie’s potential suitors.
Two of Washington, Dallas, Connecticut, Atlanta, Chicago or Los Angeles held two interviews with the eight-time All-WNBA First Team player. Neither presented her with an offer.
As of right now, Lisa Leslie does not plan to try again. She actually coached the Triplets to a championship in the BIG3 in 2019 but that will be the extent of her coaching career. The recent rejections snuffed out her desire to get back into the WNBA.
With that idea now in the past, Leslie vowed to help Angel Reese get better on the latest episode of Unapologetically Angel. It starts with her layups.
Lisa Leslie gives Angel Reese advice ahead of her sophomore season:
— Angel And Kamilla👯♀️ (@AngelAndKamilla) February 13, 2025
“The biggest advice I have for you is going to be how you shoot your lay-ups. We’re going to fix that – it’s fixable for you. You’re going to get better, and I can help you get better.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/cqapgte0MF
Reese is often clowned for her inability to finish at the rim, which continues to be the biggest issue in her game. Leslie will work with the No. 7 overall pick over the next few months to get her right before the start of her sophomore season with the Sky.