Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco is leaving the NBA to become the head coach of the New York Liberty, giving him his first shot at leading a pro team after more than a decade with the Warriors.
The news broke Friday when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the agreement on social media: “The New York Liberty have agreed on a deal to hire Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco as their new head coach.”
DeMarco has been with Golden State since 2012, collecting four championship rings during the Warriors’ dynasty run.
He’s not completely new to head coaching. DeMarco currently leads the Bahamian men’s national team, experience that likely helped his case with the Liberty.
Liberty executives and DeMarco’s agent wrapped up contract details Friday, finalizing the move that sends him from the NBA to the WNBA.
From Warriors Assistant to WNBA Head Coach
DeMarco wore many hats during his time with the Warriors. As one of Steve Kerr’s trusted assistants, he played a key role behind the scenes while Kerr and Steph Curry got most of the spotlight during their incredible championship run from 2014 to 2022.
What’s impressive is how long DeMarco stayed put. In a league where coaches bounce around constantly, he remained with Golden State for nearly 14 years. That kind of stability speaks volumes about his value to the organization.
Taking Over a Championship Contender
Now DeMarco faces a whole new challenge – coaching Sabrina Ionescu and a Liberty team with serious title hopes.
This isn’t just any coaching job. The Liberty have built a roster ready to win right now, putting immediate pressure on the first-time head coach.
For DeMarco, it’s the opportunity he’s been working toward after years of growth with the Warriors.
For the Liberty, they’re getting someone who knows what championship culture looks like up close. His modern NBA background and experience with winning at the highest level makes him an intriguing fit for where the franchise wants to go.
