WNBA Coach of the Year 2024 final rankings: Cheryl Reeve claims top spot, Christie Sides into top 5 and more (Week 15)

By Jone Mallorca

Modified Sep 17, 2024 15:46 GMT

Follow Us

Share

0 Discuss

The 2023-24 WNBA season has not come up short in living up to the expectations of providing top-notch basketball entertainment. With just two days away from the start of the postseason, the league awards are starting to shape up, from Rookie of the Year to Coach of the Year.

Following Week 15, the COTY rankings have changed once again with a clearer picture of each candidate's position.

---

WNBA Coach of the Year 2024 final rankings for Week 15

#5 Christie Sides - Indiana Fever

Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides with rookie Caitlin Clark - Source: Getty

The Indiana Fever started their year off slow but managed to turn things around right after the Olympic break. Coupled with the steady contributions of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, Christie Sides has delivered on her end by establishing an eclectic offensive system.

The team ranks third offensively with their reliance on constant ball movement, precise decision-making from Clark and deep shotmaking ability. They might not be the most reliable defensive unit but their scoring game has gained much of the advantage for them.

#4 Noelle Quinn - Seattle Storm

Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn - Source: Getty

It was a challenging endeavor for first-year coach Noelle Quinn to establish a promising winning culture for the Seattle Storm franchise. They are in fifth place in the WNBA standings as they often relied on their defensive prowess to secure victories this season.

They rank fourth defensively in the league and looked to utilize the versatility and length of the players on their roster. After being the 11th seed last season, this was the outing the franchise needed to get back to their winning ways.

#3 Stephanie White - Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White - Source: Getty

Last year's WNBA COTY Stephanie White mirrored the same level of success this season with her Sun squad. Her established defensive identity from last season yielded the same impressive results this season, ranking first in the league.

They are not the most imposing offensive team like the New York Liberty or the Indiana Fever, but their defensive branding has made them a tough assignment for several teams. They started this season with a nine-game winning streak and managed to maintain that level of edge throughout the year.

White is another excellent candidate for the award and is in a good position to win it for the second straight season.

#2 Sandy Brondello - New York Liberty

New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello - Source: Getty

Despite coming up short in the WNBA Championship finals against the Aces last season, Sandy Brondello's Liberty squad has come back stronger than ever. They are one of the most dominant two-way teams in the league, ranking first offensively and third defensively.

Brondello's coaching has also brought out the best version of the Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart tandem, which has caused headaches for numerous opponents.

There's a level of challenge and pressure for coaches tasked to lead a championship-caliber roster to basketball glory. Managing rotations and a competitive mindset throughout 40 games is no cakewalk, but Brondello has done just that to lead her team to the best record in the WNBA.

#1 Cheryl Reeve - Minnesota Lynx

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve - Source: Getty

Lastly, Cheryl Reeve has reached the top of the COTY rankings with the kind of year she put out. Following the Olympic break, her Minnesota Lynx squad went 12-1 in that span to secure strong positioning in the WNBA Playoffs.

Similar to the Liberty team, they are one of the most complete teams in the league with a steady coaching presence from one of the all-time greats.

Despite already winning three COTY awards, Reeve has shown no side of losing her competitive edge as she has made a strong case to bring home her fourth.