Jose Fernandez’s introduction as the Dallas Wings’ new head coach marked more than a leadership change — it signaled a transformation for a franchise eager to shed years of inconsistency and begin a new chapter built around one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Fernandez, who spent 25 years at South Florida turning the Bulls into a perennial mid-major power, has crossed paths with Paige Bueckers plenty of times before. As the opposing coach at USF, he saw the then-UConn star’s brilliance firsthand. His friendship with Bueckers’ college coach, Geno Auriemma, also deepened his appreciation for her game.

Now, the two will join forces in Dallas with the shared goal of returning the Wings to playoff relevance — and eventually championship contention.

“This won’t be the same old Dallas Wings, my brother,” Fernandez said during his introductory press conference, paraphrasing his late USF colleague Amir Abdur-Rahim. “Change is coming, and we’re gonna win.”

The Wings endured a difficult 2025 campaign, finishing last in the league at 10–34. Yet Bueckers’ dazzling rookie season provided a glimpse of the future. She became the franchise’s first Rookie of the Year, earned All-WNBA Second Team honors, and was the team’s sole All-Star.

Fernandez described her as a generational player who already embodies leadership and accountability.

“Paige is special,” Fernandez said. “Great players want to be coached. She wants to be coached and held accountable. And I think the things that we’re going to do in the half court and the open floor are going to suit her. So I’m really excited to get to work with her.”

He added that Auriemma gave him glowing insight into her work ethic and basketball instincts.

“Geno said, ‘If there’s a shot you want her to make, she’ll make it. If there’s something you’re going to run, she’s going to run it,’” Fernandez said. “So I think it’s very important, not only developing a relationship with her, but everybody on the roster — where they feel comfortable on the floor in what they like, what they don’t like.”

The Wings’ decision to part ways with first-year coach Chris Koclanes in September stemmed from a desire for a proven, experienced leader. General manager Curt Miller said the team needed an “innovator” with a track record of developing players and connecting internationally — qualities Fernandez built his career on.

“This job wasn’t for everyone,” Miller said. “The scrutiny, the expectation that comes right now with the Dallas job is extremely high, and that scared people. And what I loved about Jose is it did not scare — in fact, it motivated — him in our conversations.”

Fernandez brings an impressive résumé. At South Florida, he implemented a pro-style system with European influences, recruited globally, and helped dozens of players transition to the WNBA or overseas. That experience aligns perfectly with Dallas’ vision of building a sustainable contender with both domestic and international talent.

The franchise’s ambitions extend beyond the court. The Wings are preparing to relocate from Arlington to Dallas and open a new practice facility, reinforcing a long-term investment in infrastructure and culture.

Dallas also faces a pivotal offseason. A two-team expansion draft looms, the new collective bargaining agreement is on the horizon, and the Wings hold the best odds for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft lottery. Only five players — Bueckers, fellow 2025 draftees Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly, along with Maddy Siegrist and Diamond Miller — are currently under contract.

Miller acknowledged the uncertainty but emphasized a collaborative approach between the front office and Fernandez.

“There will be tremendous collaboration going into decisions around expansion draft, decisions around free agency, and then, ultimately, decisions that we’ll find out later this month, where we land in the draft,” Miller said.

Dallas pursued several top candidates before selecting Fernandez, including former New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, who ultimately joined the expansion Toronto Tempo. But the Wings found in Fernandez what they believe is the perfect fit — a coach unafraid of expectations and eager to mold the franchise around one of the WNBA’s next superstars.

The message from both Fernandez and Miller was clear: the Wings are done waiting for change. They’re ready to embody it.