"Bro tanked for the first pick & got fired" - WNBA community reacts to Sparks' firing of head coach Curt Miller

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Sparks announced their mutual decision to part ways with head coach Curt Miller following a disappointing 2024 WNBA season. The Sparks, one of the league's marquee franchises, finished with the worst record in the league at 8-32.

The WNBA community was abuzz after the Sparks' decision to part ways with Miller. The franchise players, league coaches, and fans voiced their opinions on Miller's firing.

LA star Dearica Hamby was gutted after Miller's departure and hoped that not all the blame is pinned on his shoulder.

"A little lost for words honestly…. this is hard for me as a big part of my transition success and support to LA has been Curt. I hope there is grace in this process for a proven, amazing coach. Everything shouldn’t fall on his shoulders and there’s so much more that goes into coaching besides wins and losses. (That a lot of you don’t see but you speak on)," Hamby tweeted.

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon also reacted to Miller's firing and shed light on the harsh reality of coaching.

“Teams don’t win, coaches get fired, period. And that’s what you sign up for. You don’t like to see any coach lose their job ever. We did our part, we let them have two wins."

One fan pointed out that Miller tanked the season to secure the first pick in the draft.

"Bro tanked for the first pick and then got fired. Tough season."

Another fan acknowledged Miller's coaching attributes but didn't think he was a fit for the Sparks.

"He's a good coach, but Lala Land is not the place for him."

A couple of X users gave options on Miller's possible replacement.

"He looked disinterested all year. Katie Smith and Rebecca Brunson should get interviews!"

"It’s time LA open the checkbook, go to Duke and offer her the job. If Dawn would accept it, she would be #1, but rumors say she is having too much fun and won’t leave her Gamecocks," one fan suggested, referring to college coaches and former WNBA stars Kara Lawson of Duke and Dawn Staley of South Carolina.

Curt Miller's statement after LA Sparks departure

Upon losing the Sparks job, Curt Miller gracefully extended his gratitude to the front office for giving him an opportunity to rebuild the franchise.

“I want to thank the entire Sparks organization for the opportunity to lead and help rebuild the franchise,” said Curt Miller in the press release.

"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," he added.

Talking about Miller's tenure with the Sparks, the 55-year-old veteran coach spent two seasons with LA. Under his leadership, the Sparks recorded just 25 victories in 80 games and failed to make the playoffs in the two seasons he was at the helm.