Lin Dunn to Step Down
 Dunn |
The Seattle Storm today announced that Lin Dunn will step down as general manager and head coach effective immediately.
“The decision to step down was extremely difficult, but it’s time for me to take a break,” said Dunn. “I’ve spent a tremendous amount of energy in the last six years building two professional teams with the Portland Power in the American Basketball League (ABL) and the Seattle Storm in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
“I especially want to thank all of the wonderful fans for their ongoing support,” said Dunn. “I also thank the organization, my staff and the players for this opportunity to build a playoff team. I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
“We appreciate all of Coach Dunn’s hard work to build this team and advance to the playoffs in only three years. She built a strong foundation on which to grow and we sincerely appreciate all of her efforts,” said Sonics & Storm Executive Vice President Billy McKinney.
“Lin has made a significant contribution to our organization since the Storm’s inception three years ago,” said Sonics& Storm President and CEO Wally Walker. “We thank her for all of her efforts and wish her well.”
Dunn joined the WNBA and the Seattle Storm in 1999 and immediately focused on building community support for the team and assembling a staff and roster. In her first season at the helm, she directed the Storm to a 6-26 record. In 2001, she led the second-year Storm to a 10-22 record.
In 2002, Dunn guided the Storm to their first-ever playoff appearance with a 17-15 record. The team qualified for postseason play in just its third season, recording the shortest amount of time for a Seattle professional sports team to reach the playoffs. In the 2002 season, Dunn finished second in voting for WNBA Coach of the Year.
Over the past six years, Dunn helped build two professional teams. In 1996, Dunn joined the ABL’s Portland Power as head coach and general manager. In her second season, she led the team to the Western Conference Championship and secured the ABL’s 1997-98 Coach of the Year award.
The search for a new head coach will begin immediately. McKinney will assume the general manager duties and will oversee the search process for a new head coach.
“We believe that with the talented Storm roster, including the dynamic duo of Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson, we can attract top-notch candidates to lead the Storm to further success in the 2003 season,” said McKinney.
