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The New York Liberty are bringing championship pedigree to Brooklyn, hiring four-time NBA Champion Chris DeMarco as the franchise’s next head coach, the team announced today. The move signals a clear commitment to sustained excellence as the Liberty prepare for their historic 30th Anniversary season in 2026.
DeMarco joins the Liberty after 14 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, including 11 years as an assistant coach under Steve Kerr. During that span, he helped guide the Warriors to four NBA Championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), playing a central role in individual player development and the implementation of elite-level systems that defined one of the most successful dynasties in modern basketball history.
His background also includes rising through Golden State’s organization from video and scouting to Director of Player Development and, ultimately, assistant coach—experience that aligns with the Liberty’s emphasis on development, structure, and long-term success.
For the Liberty, DeMarco’s arrival represents more than a coaching change—it reflects an organizational decision to import a championship blueprint. His experience inside a dynasty known for player development, adaptability, and system-driven success positions the Liberty to sharpen execution on both ends of the floor.
Under DeMarco’s tenure in Golden State, the Warriors’ defense held opponents to the league’s second-lowest shot quality over the past 10 seasons (49.9% qSQ), according to Second Spectrum. The team also led the NBA in net rating three times during that period and set a single-season record with 73 wins in 2015–16. Those benchmarks underscore the analytical rigor and defensive accountability he brings to Brooklyn.
As the Liberty continue building on their winning foundation and growing fan base, DeMarco’s experience is expected to enhance player development, system consistency, and championship-level expectations.
“After a thorough search, we could not be more thrilled to welcome Chris DeMarco as our head coach,” said Jonathan Kolb, General Manager, New York Liberty. “Throughout the process, our goal was clear: identify a leader who could elevate our culture, implement elite-level systems, and bring a modern vision for how to guide this franchise forward on the court.”
Kolb added, “Chris is a proven winner whose approach has been shaped by more than a decade inside one of basketball’s most successful dynasties. He has seen firsthand what it takes to build a championship standard, and his clarity, adaptability, and player-development expertise will be invaluable as we strive to deliver the best version of the New York Liberty for our players, organization, and amazing fans.”
Liberty Governor Clara Wu Tsai highlighted how the hire aligns with the organization’s broader goals in Brooklyn.
“Today marks an exciting next chapter for the New York Liberty,” Wu Tsai said. “Our commitment has always been to deliver world-class basketball and the best fan experience in Brooklyn, and that is why we continue to invest in attracting top talent across every area of our organization.”
Wu Tsai continued: “This coaching search was a unified and deeply collaborative process, and we were deliberate in finding a leader who shares our values and can elevate this storied franchise to the next level. Chris brings championship experience and an innovative perspective that align perfectly with our vision, and we are proud to welcome him to the Liberty family.”
“I’m incredibly honored to join the Liberty and proud to help carry forward the standard this franchise has set – excellence on the court and a strong connection to the community,” said Chris DeMarco, Head Coach, New York Liberty. “The chance to work with some of the greatest players in basketball, supported by an exceptional front office and ownership group, is the kind of opportunity every coach dreams of. I can’t wait to get started – building on the winning foundation and culture that make the New York Liberty so special.”
In addition to his NBA success, DeMarco has served as head coach of the Bahamas Men’s National Team since 2019. Under his leadership, the program recorded the most significant win in its history by defeating host Argentina in the 2024 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament final. He has also contributed globally as a featured coach at Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Americas, mentoring elite international prospects.
A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, DeMarco becomes the 10th head coach in New York Liberty history. At 40 years old, he arrives in Brooklyn bringing championship standards, player-development expertise, and a modern coaching philosophy—elements the Liberty believe will help push the franchise to its next level as it enters a milestone era.
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