PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury today announced that the team and head coach Sandy Brondello have mutually agreed to part ways and that her contract, which expired after the 2021 season, would not be renewed.
Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman: “My first move after taking over as general manager in 2013 was to hire Sandy Brondello as our head coach, and the basketball success we’ve achieved in that time is a credit to her, her staff, our players, and the culture she was part of building. Our 2014 championship, two Finals appearances, eight playoff appearances in eight seasons, six Semifinal berths, and nine single-elimination playoff wins in that time all speak to the consistently high results her leadership and signature preparation brought us. She oversaw our program with the utmost integrity, and I’m sincerely grateful for her partnership and friendship. Sandy and her family will always be a part of the X-Factor family, and we wish them the best.”
“At the same time, we understand that an eight-year tenure for a head coach is an exception in any professional sport, and we are confident a new voice is necessary for our team at this time. Our expectation is to compete for championships now and in the future, and the search to find the head coach who can help lead us there has already begun.”
Mercury President of Business Operations Vince Kozar: “Partnership between business and basketball is so incredibly important in the WNBA as we fight to elevate our business and brand. From access for staff and fans, to team schedule flexibility, to just plain ‘getting it,’ Sandy has been a terrific partner these last eight years. Through some very high highs and more than our share of on-court heartbreak, she has been a great teammate, a supportive colleague, and friend. Thank you for everything, Sandy.”
Sandy Brondello: “I am very grateful for the opportunity and time that I have had with the Phoenix Mercury and would like to thank Robert Sarver and Jim Pitman, my staff and players who I have worked with throughout my time. Thank you also to the X-Factor for your support and for making the atmosphere at our games so memorable.”