Joe "Jellybean" Bryant was hired as an assistant coach for the Sparks by the Los Angeles Sparks General Manager Penny Toler. Bryant joins Head Coach Henry Bibby and Assistant Coach Shelley Patterson. The 2005 season is Bryant's first year coaching in the WNBA.

A La Salle graduate, Bryant was drafted by the NBA's Golden State Warriors as the 14th overall pick in 1975. After a notable 8 year career in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets, Bryant moved to Rieti, Italy where he played during the 80's. Bryant's coaching experience began in 2003 when he was named the Head Coach of The Diabols, a Slamball team. He has most recently been the head coach of the ABA teams, the Las Vegas Rattlers and the Boston Frenzy.

Bryant is the father of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.