GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a list of all the head and assistant coaches from the 1997 WNBA Season. This was the inaugural season of the Women’s National Basketball Association and there were only 8 teams.
- 🏆 Coach of the Year: Van Chancellor (Houston Comets)
- 🏆 WNBA Champions: Houston Comets
- Assistant Coaching Staff: Peggie Gillom
Mid-Season Coaching Changes
- Los Angeles Sparks Head Coach Linda Sharp was fired on July 16 with a 4–7 record and assistant coach Julie Rousseau became the interim, finishing the season with a 10–7 coaching record and a 14-14 team record.
- Sacramento Monarchs Head Coach Mary Murphy was fired on July 28 with 5–10 record and assistant coach Heidi VanDerveer became the interim, finishing the season with a 5-8 coaching record and a 10-18 team record.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Houston Comets
Head Coach
Van Chancellor
Assistant Coaches
- Peggie Gillom
New York Liberty
Head Coach
Nancy Darsch
Assistant Coaches
- Melissa McFerrin
- Lisa White
Cleveland Rockers
Head Coach
Linda Hill-MacDonald
Assistant Coaches
- Mike Wilhelm
Charlotte Sting
Head Coach
Marynell Meadors
Assistant Coaches
- Leonard Armato
- Karen Freeman
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Phoenix Mercury
Head Coach
Cheryl Miller
Assistant Coaches
- Steve Smith
Sacramento Monarchs
Head Coach
Mary Murphy (fired; 5–10 record)
Heidi VanDerveer (5–8 record)
Assistant Coaches
- Heidi VanDerveer
Los Angeles Sparks
Head Coach
Linda Sharp (fired; 4–7 record)
Julie Rousseau (10–7 record)
Assistant Coaches
- Julie Rousseau
Utah Starrz
Head Coach
Denise Taylor
Assistant Coaches
- Greg Williams