On September 23, the NY Liberty shocked the basketball world when they announced that they would not be renewing the contract of HC Sandy Brondello, citing the need for “evolution and innovation.” Since then, the franchise has been searching for a voice that can both inspire and elevate, and they have finally picked a name out of the hat.

According to reports, the Liberty has reached a deal to hire Chris DeMarco, a four-time NBA champion assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, as their new head coach. DeMarco, who spent several seasons alongside Steph Curry and the Warriors’ dynasty, will bring a wealth of experience in player development, offensive strategy, and championship culture to a Liberty team eager for a fresh identity.

With most of the team players hitting free agency this offseason and a new coach, the Liberty front office is going all in for the 2026 WNBA season, but only time will tell if they will hit the bullseye with their decision.

Who is Chris DeMarco, and what is his family background?

Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, and now based in San Rafael, 40-year-old Chris DeMarco has built a quiet but powerful reputation in the basketball world. As an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors and the head coach of the Bahamas National Team, DeMarco has long been recognized for his detail-oriented approach, his emphasis on fundamentals, and the trust he builds with players.

He earned his MBA from Dominican University of California, carving out his coaching identity through work ethic rather than a headline-grabbing playing career.

Despite his growing profile, DeMarco keeps his personal life extremely private, with no public information available about his family. His low-key nature mirrors the way he has risen within the NBA, more through substance than spotlight, helping him become one of the Warriors’ longest-tenured and most respected assistants.

What is Chris DeMarco’s Coaching Background and Rise Through the Warriors System?

DeMarco joined the team in 2012 when the Warriors hired him as a video intern. Just after his first season, he was promoted to assistant video coordinator in the 2013-14 season. His eye for detail, ability to break down film, and natural communication skills quickly stood out, earning him another promotion to the team’s advance scout/video scout in 2014-15.

By the time Steve Kerr took over in 2014, DeMarco had already established himself as a trusted voice, and Kerr elevated him further within the system, as he went on to become the assistant coach for the team. He then became a central figure in the team’s player-development pipeline and worked directly with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, helping them refine their playmaking, footwork, and decision-making.

He was part of the Warriors’ four championship runs (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022). His responsibilities included defensive scheming, player development, and game planning. DeMarco is particularly trusted by Steph Curry and other core players; he’s worked closely with them on shooting mechanics, offensive reads, and in-game adjustments.

Opening about Chris DeMarco’s lasting impact on their team, Curry said, “He’s a part of the core, in terms of when we first started to have our rise – you can tell he was appreciative of the opportunity,” as per NBCA.

Reports also revealed that the Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu reached out to Warriors star Steph Curry during this process to get his thoughts on DeMarco as the franchise was trying to decide among him, former Brooklyn Nets assistant, Will Weaver, former WNBA champion and current Phoenix Mercury associate head coach Kristi Toliver, and Toronto Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela.

Why the New York Liberty Chose Chris DeMarco to Replace Sandy Brondello

After capturing their first WNBA title in 2024, the Liberty entered 2025 looking like a juggernaut. With a 9–0 start, they quickly became fan-favorites, poised to secure another title. However, a wave of injuries derailed their momentum. New York’s season ended in a first-round playoff exit that was far below the expectations everyone had.

When the Liberty announced they wouldn’t renew Sandy Brondello’s contract, general manager Jonathan Kolb made it clear the decision wasn’t just about wins and losses. The front office wanted a system that could sustain success in the long term, even through injuries and roster turnover.

Turing them to Chris DeMarco. Because he brings exactly what the franchise has been searching for: a modern, NBA-influenced system and the championship habits needed to maximize their title window.

As a sharp defensive mind and a detail-oriented strategist, overseeing scouting and defensive schemes during stretches when the Warriors ranked among the league’s best, DeMarco has traits that can elevate stars like Ionescu and her teammates.

What Chris DeMarco’s Hiring Means for Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty’s Title Push

Chris DeMarco gives the Liberty a system designed to make their game style easier. For Ionescu, his emphasis on pace and spacing should create cleaner reads, quicker actions, and more open looks, which would allow her to play with greater freedom and efficiency. As for Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, they would benefit from a more fluid offense that naturally creates mismatches and opens the floor.

His system could help the Liberty avoid the stagnant, aimless possessions that critics pointed out when they exited last season. However, for now, New York has only two players under contract, Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally. And if they aim to secure the 2026 championship title, they would need to resign Stewart, Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu.

Do you think Chris DeMarco is the missing piece that Liberty needs to win another championship? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!