ESPN – Orlando Magic assistant Nate Tibbetts is finalizing a deal to become the new coach of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, sources told ESPN on Monday.
The deal will make Tibbetts the highest-paid coach in WNBA history, sources said.
Tibbetts is the all-time assist leader in the 88-year history of the North Central Conference. He handed out 465 assists, or 6.5 per game, in conference play while leading the Univerisity of South Dakota to three consecutive NCC championships (1999-2001). Tibbetts ranks second on USD’s all-time lists for both career assists (678) and steals (215).
Tibbetts earned all-NCC honors in 2001 and was named to the NCC all-tournament team that season. In 112 games, Tibbetts scored 572 points (5.1 ppg) and grabbed 321 rebounds (2.9 rpg) while shooting 55 percent from the field.
Tibbetts began his coaching career as an assistant coach for Shane Murphy at the University of Sioux Falls from 2001-05. He was a member of the D-League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce coaching staff for four seasons from 2005-09 and was promoted to head coach after his first two campaigns.
Tibbetts is a respected longtime coach in the NBA, including assistant stops with Portland and Cleveland over the past decade before joining Jamahl Mosley’s staff as top assistant two years ago.
Tibbetts’ hiring is another significant hire for the Mercury after owner Mat Ishbia lured Nick U’Ren from the Golden State Warriors to become general manager. Ishbia tasked U’Ren and CEO Josh Bartelstein with the coaching search that lands Tibbetts with the Mercury now.
Phoenix recently announced plans to build a modern, dedicated practice facility as part of a new $100 million investment. The Mercury finished with the WNBA’s worst record this season at 9-31.