When the news broke late last year that the New York Liberty were moving on from Sandy Brondello, most people in the WNBA world did a double-take. Honestly, it felt a bit surreal. Brondello had literally just delivered the franchise its first-ever title in 2024. She was the winningest coach in their history. But after a 2025 season plagued by injuries to stars like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu—ending in a frustrating first-round exit—the front office decided they wanted a "modern vision."
Enter Chris DeMarco, the new coach of New York Liberty.
If you aren't a hardcore NBA junkie, you might be wondering who this guy is. He isn't some retread from the college ranks or a former WNBA star. He’s a guy who spent 14 seasons in the trenches with the Golden State Warriors, serving as a key architect behind Steve Kerr’s dynasty. Now, he’s tasked with taking a "Superteam" that already knows how to win and making them bulletproof. It’s a massive swing by GM Jonathan Kolb, and it’s one of the most fascinating coaching hires we’ve seen in years.
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DeMarco isn't just coming from any winning environment; he’s coming from the winning environment. He started as a video intern in 2012 and worked his way up to assistant coach. Think about that for a second. He watched the entire rise of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green from the front row. He was the guy often credited with the "individual skill development" that made those guys so lethal.
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What does that mean for Brooklyn? Basically, it means the Liberty are bettng on NBA-level systems. Kolb mentioned during the intro presser that they wanted someone who could "elevate the culture" and implement "elite-level systems."
The Bahamas Turnaround
If you want proof that DeMarco can actually lead a bench—and not just sit next to Steve Kerr—look at the Bahamas Men’s National Team. He’s been the head coach there since 2019. In 2024, he led them to a historic win over Argentina in the Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. That wasn't just a fluke victory; it was a tactical masterclass where he managed to get NBA talent like Buddy Hield and Deandre Ayton to play a cohesive, disciplined style of ball on a short timeline.
Why the Liberty Moved on From a Champion
It’s the elephant in the room. Why would you move on from a coach of New York Liberty like Sandy Brondello after she went 107-53 over four seasons?
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The 2025 season was... well, it was a mess. Not necessarily because of coaching, but because the roster was constantly in the training room. Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu all missed time. The team finished as the 5-seed and got bounced by the Phoenix Mercury in three games.
While the players publicly backed Brondello—Stewart was especially vocal about how Sandy "had our back"—there were whispers about the team's ability to maximize a deep roster and make tactical adjustments when the stars went down. The front office clearly felt they had hit a ceiling. They weren't looking for a "safe" hire. They were looking for someone who could bring that Warriors-style motion offense and switch-heavy defense to Barclays Center.
What to Expect From the Chris DeMarco Era
So, what is the coach of New York Liberty actually going to do differently? Based on his history, there are a few things you’ll notice immediately once the 2026 season tips off:
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- Pace and Space on Steroids: The Warriors changed the NBA by emphasizing three-point volume and constant off-ball movement. With shooters like Sabrina Ionescu and the gravity of Jonquel Jones in the paint, DeMarco is likely to unlock a version of this offense that we haven't seen in the WNBA yet.
- Defensive Versatility: During DeMarco's tenure in Golden State, they held opponents to some of the lowest "shot quality" metrics in the league. He’s a film-room junkie. Expect the Liberty to be way more aggressive with their defensive schemes, switching more frequently and using their length to create turnovers.
- Player Development Focus: This is his bread and butter. Even veteran superstars like Breanna Stewart can find ways to "add a club to the bag," as coaches like to say. DeMarco is known for his "emotional intelligence" and his ability to connect with high-level stars to get that extra 2% out of their game.
A Risky Gamble or a Stroke of Genius?
Let's be real: this is a risk. DeMarco has never coached in the WNBA before. The women's game has different nuances, a different CBA landscape, and a different rhythm than the 82-game NBA slog. Some critics argue that the Liberty should have gone with a veteran women’s basketball mind, especially after Sonia Raman (a highly respected assistant) left for the Seattle Storm.
But Brooklyn is a "championship or bust" market now. The ownership group, led by Joe and Clara Wu Tsai, has invested millions into this team. They want a dynasty, not just a one-off trophy. By hiring DeMarco, they are signaling that they want to be the "Golden State of the WNBA."
He officially takes the reins in early 2026, after wrapping up his duties with the Warriors. He’s already been seen around Brooklyn, reportedly "pouring into every book" about Liberty history. He knows the pressure is on. He’s the 10th head coach in franchise history, and he’s walking into a room full of MVPs who are hungry to prove that 2025 was just a fluke.
Next Steps for Liberty Fans
If you're looking to keep a pulse on the new era, you should keep a close eye on the 2026 WNBA Draft and free agency. DeMarco’s influence will likely be felt first in how the team fills out its bench. Look for high-IQ players who can pass and shoot—those "system players" that the Warriors always seemed to find. Also, watch the Bahamas' international performance; it’s the best preview you’ll get of his actual X's and O's before the WNBA season starts.