The Dallas Wings are turning to a proven college veteran to lead their next chapter. The franchise is set to hire longtime South Florida coach Jose Fernandez as its new head coach, according to ESPN. Fernandez is expected to finalize his contract with the Wings as early as Friday, making him the team’s fifth head coach in seven seasons.

Fernandez departs USF after 25 years, where he transformed the Bulls into one of the nation’s most consistent mid-major programs. He compiled a 485-317 record and led the team to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances — including eight in the past 11 years. Under his direction, South Florida became a perennial March contender known for disciplined defense, player development, and international recruiting reach.

USF confirmed Fernandez’s departure Thursday, thanking him for his long tenure and influence on the program.

“Over the past 25 years, Jose has been an exceptional leader, mentor and advocate for the University of South Florida,” USF athletics CEO Rob Higgins said in a statement. “His impact on USF Athletics and our university community is profound, and his legacy will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.”

Fernandez inherits a Dallas team searching for stability after years of turnover and underachievement. The Wings parted ways with Chris Koclanes in September after just one season and a 10-34 record, tied for the league’s worst mark. Injuries to key players such as Arike Ogunbowale and Maddy Siegrist, along with failed roster experiments, contributed to a turbulent campaign.

The Wings’ front office sought a candidate with extensive head-coaching experience and a reputation for sustained success — a description Fernandez fits perfectly. His two-plus decades at South Florida included numerous 20-win seasons and the elevation of several international players who went on to professional careers.

Dallas’ roster features 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, whose arrival marked a potential turning point for a franchise that has gone 19-65 over the past two seasons. The Wings also hold the best odds to land the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft lottery, giving Fernandez a rare opportunity to guide a young core headlined by two top selections.

The move continues a recent WNBA trend of teams turning to successful college coaches. Like Fernandez, Atlanta’s Karl Smesko and Los Angeles’ Lynne Roberts transitioned from long collegiate tenures to the pros last year — with Smesko notably leading the Dream to a 30-14 record in his first season.

For the Wings, the hope is that Fernandez can replicate that kind of immediate turnaround. His reputation for structure and development could be the reset Dallas needs after a period of constant change.

Since relocating to Texas in 2016, the Wings have had winning records only twice and have cycled through multiple coaching philosophies — from veterans like Brian Agler to former players like Vickie Johnson. None have lasted more than two seasons.

Fernandez now becomes the sixth coach since 2018, tasked with stabilizing a talented but inconsistent roster and restoring a winning culture to one of the league’s most unpredictable franchises.

Michele Woods-Baxter was named interim head coach at South Florida following Fernandez’s departure, with the Bulls’ season set to open on Nov. 3.

For Dallas, a new era begins — one built on experience, patience, and the belief that Fernandez’s steady hand can finally give the Wings the foundation they’ve long sought.