Minnesota Lynx Make Major Moves: Lindsay Whalen and Eric Thibault Join Coaching Staff
The Minnesota Lynx are making waves this WNBA offseason, and it’s not just about player moves. In a period defined by coaching shakeups across the league, the Lynx have made two blockbuster hires to bolster head coach Cheryl Reeve’s staff. The team announced the addition of franchise legend Lindsay Whalen as an assistant coach and former Washington Mystics head coach Eric Thibault as associate head coach. These moves signal the Lynx’s commitment to building on their recent success and aiming for another championship run.
Whalen, a name synonymous with Lynx greatness, returns to the franchise where she was the point guard during their dynastic run in the 2010s. After retiring in 2018, Whalen spent five years coaching at her alma mater, the University of Minnesota. Meanwhile, Thibault brings over a decade of coaching experience, including two seasons as the Mystics’ head coach before his departure in October.
“We worked hard to put our best foot forward for [our players] because we continue to have big goals for this group,” Reeve told ESPN. “I think this staff is well-positioned to help us get there.”
A Season to Build On
Last season, the Lynx exceeded expectations, finishing second in the regular season standings behind the leadership of superstar Napheesa Collier. The team advanced to the WNBA Finals, where they fell just short in a thrilling winner-take-all Game 5 against the New York Liberty. With the addition of Whalen and Thibault, the Lynx are clearly looking to take that final step toward reclaiming championship glory.
However, these hires come amid significant changes within the organization. Earlier this offseason, associate head coach Katie Smith left to join Ohio State, and general manager Clare Duwelius departed to work with the new Unrivaled league. Despite these departures, Reeve has managed to assemble a staff that she believes will elevate the team to new heights.
Whalen’s Return: A Perfect Fit
Reeve had previously attempted to bring Whalen onto her staff two years ago, but the timing wasn’t right. This time, however, Whalen needed no convincing.
“It just feels like it’s time to get back, work hard and be a part of a team and a group,” Whalen told ESPN. “It just all felt like the timing was really right.”
Whalen was a constant presence during the Lynx’s Finals run last season, often seen courtside in both Minneapolis and New York. Her support didn’t go unnoticed by the players.
“She was really supportive,” Collier said. “Always congratulating after a good game, or saying we got this after a loss… just really had that supportive role this whole time.”
Whalen will join a coaching staff that already includes Rebekkah Brunson, a close friend and former teammate with whom she won four championships. Collier believes this unique dynamic gives the Lynx an edge.
“I think it’s what makes us so unique at Minnesota — we have people who’ve been through what we’re going through,” Collier said. “They won so many championships in the place they’re coaching and we’re playing at now… I feel super lucky I get to be a part of that.”
Thibault Brings Experience and Fresh Perspective
Thibault’s addition to the staff is equally significant. He and Reeve have developed a strong mutual respect over the years, with their teams frequently training against each other in the preseason. Thibault’s coaching philosophy aligns closely with Reeve’s vision for the Lynx, particularly her preference for a five-out offense that emphasizes spacing and ball movement.
“You want to make sure you’re aligned where you are, and that wasn’t really the case anymore,” Thibault said of his departure from Washington. “I’ve got no ill-feelings whatsoever towards D.C. … I felt gratitude towards D.C. as it all ended, and I feel a lot of gratitude towards Minnesota now.”
Reeve praised Thibault’s ability to rally the Mystics last season, guiding an injury-plagued team from an 0-12 start to playoff contention by the final day of the regular season. She believes his experience as a head coach will make him an even better assistant.
A Shared History
Interestingly, Whalen and Thibault share a long history. Whalen played for Eric’s father, Mike Thibault, during her six seasons with the Connecticut Sun. Additionally, Eric’s sister, Carly Thibault-DuDonis, served as Whalen’s associate head coach at Minnesota. Whalen even remembers attending Eric’s high school basketball games.
“The Thibaults and the Whalens have always been very tight,” Eric said. “Now we get to put our heads together and try to help Cheryl and the Lynx get back to being champions.”
For Whalen, the opportunity to return to the Lynx feels like a homecoming.
“I couldn’t imagine a better situation for me,” she said. “I just am so excited, really, for all of it.”
Key Takeaways
- The Lynx hired Lindsay Whalen as an assistant coach and Eric Thibault as associate head coach.
- Whalen is a franchise legend who played a key role in the Lynx’s championship dynasty.
- Thibault brings over a decade of coaching experience, including two seasons as the Mystics’ head coach.
- Both hires aim to build on the Lynx’s strong 2023 season, which ended in a Finals loss to the Liberty.
With these moves, the Lynx are sending a clear message: they’re not just content with being contenders—they’re ready to reclaim their spot at the top of the WNBA.
Originally Written by: Alexa Philippou
