The Sparks announced Tuesday they have mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Curt Miller after two seasons.
On Thursday, the Sparks finished their season 8-32 and in last place in the league. They were 25-55 overall with Miller at the helm and didn’t qualify for the WNBA playoffs in either season.
“On behalf of our ownership group and franchise, I would like to thank Coach Miller for his passion and commitment to the Sparks organization these past two seasons,” Governor and Managing Partner Eric Holoman said in a statement. “We wish him well moving forward.”
After coaching at the collegiate levels from 1991-2014, Miller became a Sparks assistant in 2015, then took over as head coach of the Connecticut Sun from 2016-22, making the postseason in six of seven seasons and twice making the WNBA finals (2019 and 2022).
Miller’s 165 regular-season victories rank 11th in WNBA history.
Last season, the Sparks finished 17-23 for fourth place in the West. They lost longtime leader Nneka Ogwumike in free agency but added Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, selected second and fourth overall, respectively, in the WNBA draft in April.
Brink tore her ACL in the 15th game this season and was lost for the season. Jackson was named to the AP All-Rookie Team and the Sparks were led by All-Star forward Dearica Hamby, who was named the Associated Press Most Improved Player.
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“I want to thank the entire Sparks organization for the opportunity to lead and help rebuild the franchise,” Miller said. “I am proud of the culture created in our locker room and strongly believe the roots have been established for a bright future. The team is now positioned for success, and I wish the players the best heading into the 2025 season.”
The Sparks, who have the best odds (44.2%) of landing the top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, have missed qualifying for the playoffs in a franchise-record four consecutive seasons.