Dallas Wings Soar with Recent Coaching Staff: A Deep Dive into Fernandez’s Vision
The Dallas Wings have finalized their coaching and support staff under Head Coach Jose Fernandez, signaling a new era for the franchise. The announcement, made Friday, March 27, 2026, highlights a team built on diverse experience across the NBA, WNBA, and collegiate levels. This isn’t just about filling positions; it’s a strategic move to cultivate a winning culture.
Building a Foundation of Experience
Fernandez has assembled a team that reads like a who’s who of basketball expertise. Camille Smith, returning as an assistant coach after a stint in 2025, brings 13 years of WNBA playing experience and a championship pedigree from her time with the Seattle Storm. Her prior role as a Player Development Coach for the Wings in 2020 further solidifies her understanding of the organization.
Joining Smith are assistant coaches David Adkins, formerly of the University of Washington, Mike Neighbors, a seasoned college head coach, and Empress Davenport, Associate Head Coach at Ole Miss. This blend of perspectives – from the fast-paced world of the NBA to the developmental focus of college basketball – is intentional.
Beyond the Bench: Player Development and Analytics
The Wings aren’t just focusing on in-game coaching. LaMont Russell has been appointed Director of Player Development, a crucial role in nurturing talent and maximizing player potential. He’s supported by Justin Keller as Assistant Player Development Coach and Strategist, and Anthony Brammer as Video Coordinator. This emphasis on player development mirrors a growing trend in the WNBA, where maximizing individual growth is key to team success.
Russell’s experience with USA Basketball, including gold medals at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup and the U18 Women’s AmeriCup, demonstrates a commitment to identifying and honing elite talent. Keller and Brammer’s backgrounds, honed at the University of South Florida alongside Fernandez, suggest a streamlined and collaborative approach to preparation and scouting.
Fernandez’s Vision: Relationships and Detail
According to Fernandez, the selection process wasn’t about simply finding qualified coaches. He emphasized the importance of function ethic, energy, communication skills, and a commitment to building meaningful relationships. This focus on interpersonal dynamics suggests a desire to create a positive and supportive team environment.
“Putting a staff together is every bit as important as building a roster,” Fernandez remarked. This sentiment underscores the belief that a cohesive and well-supported coaching staff is essential for achieving sustained success.
The Impact of NBA Experience
The inclusion of coaches with NBA experience, like Adkins, who worked with the Denver Nuggets and several other teams, is noteworthy. The NBA’s analytical approach and emphasis on player development are increasingly influencing the WNBA. Bringing that expertise to the Wings could provide a competitive edge.
Adkins’ scouting insights and player development expertise are expected to be particularly valuable, as highlighted by Fernandez. This suggests a focus on data-driven decision-making and individualized training programs.
A New Era for the Wings
This coaching staff represents a significant investment by Wings CEO & Managing Partner Greg Bibb, EVP & GM Curt Miller, and the entire organization. The goal is clear: to assemble the strongest possible team, both on and off the court, and build a championship contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the Head Coach of the Dallas Wings? Jose Fernandez.
- Who are the Assistant Coaches? Camille Smith, David Adkins, Mike Neighbors, and Empress Davenport.
- Who is the Director of Player Development? LaMont Russell.
- What is the focus of the new coaching staff? Building relationships, detailed preparation, and maximizing player potential.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on how the Wings utilize video analysis and data analytics under Brammer and Keller. These areas are becoming increasingly important for gaining a competitive advantage in the WNBA.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Dallas Wings as they prepare for the upcoming season. Explore more WNBA news and analysis on our site!