Chris DeMarco, the newly appointed head coach of the New York Liberty, steps into a role that blends ambition with a steep learning curve. His hiring has reignited a debate about gender and expertise in the WNBA, where the league’s history of female leadership now faces a surge of male coaches.
DeMarco has responded by immersing himself in the league’s culture, spending countless hours reviewing game film and consulting former players such as Kym Hampton and Sue Wicks. He and his assistant, Will Sheehey, have dissected the Liberty’s playbook, studied the nuances of the 2026 schedule, and even joined practice drills to feel the rhythm of the athletes.
Learning the Language of the Game
The coach also plans to bring former Liberty stars into the fold, inviting them to share insights during practices and games, a move he says will honor the franchise’s legacy and deepen the team’s connection to its roots.
With more than half of the league’s head coaches now men, the 2026 season becomes a litmus test for how the WNBA balances tradition with evolution, and DeMarco’s journey illustrates both the challenges and the possibilities that lie ahead.