Sparks, Curt Miller ‘mutually agree to part ways’ after franchise’s worst season
After two seasons as the Sparks head coach, Curt Miller has been relieved of his duties following the franchise’s worst season ever.
The Sparks announced on Tuesday that they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with head coach Curt Miller.
After suffering the worst record in franchise history and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, the move is understandable but surprising, given that the organization is in the middle of a rebuild.
Miller lasted just two seasons as head coach of the Sparks.
The Sparks have mutually agreed to part ways with Head Coach Curt Miller.
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) September 24, 2024
Thank you, Curt for your dedication to the Sparks over the past 2 seasons. https://t.co/qSOAco9qmf pic.twitter.com/RjhAiJSDim
In a press release from the Sparks, they thanked Miller for his service.
“On behalf of our ownership group and franchise, I would like to thank Coach Miller for his passion and commitment to the Sparks organization these past two seasons,” Governor and Managing Partner Eric Holoman said. “We wish him well moving forward.”
Miller also praised the organization in the press release and thanked the franchise for the opportunity.
“I want to thank the entire Sparks organization for the opportunity to lead and help rebuild the franchise,” said Curt Miller. “I am proud of the culture created in our locker room and strongly believe the roots have been established for a bright future. The team is now positioned for success, and I wish the players the best heading into the 2025 season.”
The Sparks never looked like a formidable team during Miller’s tenure. They not only had a league-high 32 losses in 2024, but they had the worst record across both seasons he was in charge, losing 55 games in total.
During this season, Miller was well aware of how much the Sparks were underachieving and, to his credit, owned up to it in the moment. Miller took to social media and, in a show of self-awareness not often seen in such a public setting, acknowledged the Sparks were not good enough.
As a coach, if you own 13-conference titles in 13-years, 2-WNBA Coy, the best record in the W over a 6-season stretch, & 2-final appearances.. you better own when you are having a poor year. I own it, need to be better for our young team. #Sparkswillrise #grind
— Curt Miller (@CurtMillerWBB) August 26, 2024
Still, in a results-based industry, Los Angeles clearly didn’t see enough improvement to feel like Miller was the guy to keep this rebuild going. They were third-worst in both offensive and defensive rating and registered 16 turnovers a game, which was the second highest in the WNBA.
The Sparks will now have to search for their 16th head coach during a pivotal offseason where they have the best odds of winning the WNBA lottery and acquiring the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.