Article Author:
Reuters
Interim coach of the Los Angeles Sparks, Fred Williams, has officially left the franchise for his previously accepted role as associate head coach of the Auburn Women's Basketball Program.
Williams had agreed to her position at Auburn in early May and had planned to leave Sparks in July. However, he became interim coach in June after coach and general manager Derek Fisher was fired.
Williams recently said he was interested in being named head coach of the Sparks. However, Los Angeles (13-23) finished the season with nine losses in ten games, missing the playoffs for the second straight year in the franchise's 26-year history. } The only time the Sparks have missed the postseason in a row are the first two seasons, 1997 and 1998.
Los Angeles went 8-16 with Williams at the helm. He has just completed his fourth year on the Sparks staff.
"The Sparks would like to thank Coach Fred for his leadership and guidance over the past four seasons, both as assistant coach and interim head coach," said Los Angeles managing partner Eric Holloman. "Fred has had an illustrious WNBA coaching career and we know he will continue to make an impact on women's basketball in Auburn," said a news release issued Wednesday. 28}
Sparks said it would conduct a national survey of coaches and general managers.
Williams has a 139-169 record as a WNBA coach. He also played for the Utah Stars (1999-2001), Atlanta Dream (2012-13) and Tulsa Shock/Dallas Wings (2014-18).
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and time I have had with the Los Angeles Sparks," Williams said in a news release.
– Field Level Media
38}