Two-Time Coach of the Year Miller to Lead Next Era of Sparks Basketball
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 21, 2022) – The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the hiring of Curt Miller as the next Head Coach of the franchise. Miller spent the last seven seasons as the Head Coach of the Connecticut Sun, six of those with the General Manager title, compiling a regular season record of 140-86.
A two-time WNBA Coach of the Year (2017, 2021) and one-time Executive of the Year (2017), Miller guided the Sun to six playoffs berths, including two Finals appearances in 2019 and 2022. Miller is the fifth winningest coach in WNBA history by winning percentage (61.9%), and his 140 regular season wins ranks 11th all-time. In six playoff appearances in seven season, he led his team to 16 victories, making him 11th on the all-time postseason wins list.
“The Sparks are thrilled to name Curt Miller our Head Coach,” Managing Partner Eric Holoman said. “After conducting a thorough search, we are confident that Curt is the right person to lead the next era of Sparks basketball.”
“Curt brings extensive experience as a WNBA head coach, where he has won at a historic pace and helped develop several All-WNBA and MVP-level players,” Holoman added. “His teams play with an intensity and attention to detail our players will embrace, and a passion our fans will appreciate.”
Prior to coaching the Sun, Miller was an assistant coach for the Sparks in 2015 under Head Coach Brian Agler. Miller has also served as a Head Coach at the collegiate level for Bowling Green State University (2001-2012) and Indiana University (2012-2014). In 11 seasons, he won seven MAC regular season and five MAC tournament titles at Bowling Green State University. Winning 290 games at the college level and 140 games at the professional level, he is one of only four coaches to win 250+ collegiate games and 100+ WNBA games, joining Van Chancellor, Lin Dunn and Marynell Meadors.
“I want to thank Eric Holoman and the entire Sparks ownership group for the opportunity to coach one of the iconic teams in women’s professional sports,” Miller said. “The Los Angeles Sparks have a history of winning championships in front of one of the most passionate fanbases in sports, and it’s an honor to be named Sparks head coach.”
“I’m ready to work alongside our owners, players, and entire organization to help build a team that will compete for WNBA championships and make our fans and partners proud,” Miller added. “It’s a privilege to hold this position, and I’m committed to adding to the incredible basketball legacy of this city and franchise.”
Miller will be formally introduced to media during a press conference at a later date. Details regarding the press conference are forthcoming.
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 26 seasons and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Crypto.com Arena has a championship level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. LA Sparks 2023 season tickets are available here for purchase.