SEATTLE, Jan. 9, 2008 — Brian Agler is the new coach of the Seattle Storm, Storm Chief Operating Officer Karen Bryant announced today. Agler was introduced at a news conference in Seattle. Agler is the third coach in Storm history, which begins its ninth season at KeyArena this summer. He will also assume the role of director of player personnel.

"This is an exciting time for WNBA basketball in Seattle, and we're thrilled to have Brian join us as the new head coach of the Storm," Bryant said. "Brian brings a wealth of WNBA experience to Seattle, and we're looking forward to starting a new era of Storm basketball with Brian coaching the team. This news, coupled with yesterday's ownership announcement, has given us a lot of momentum heading into this summer, and we look forward to continue building on it."

Agler brings head coaching experience in both the WNBA and the now defunct American Basketball League (ABL) to Seattle. He was the head coach and general manager of the Minnesota Lynx from 1999-2002. Before being named the first coach of the expansion Lynx, Agler served as the head coach of the Columbus Quest of the ABL from 1996-1999 compiling an 82-22 record. He led the Quest to back-to-back ABL championships in 1997 and 1998 and was named the ABL Coach of the Year for the 1997 season.

"Minutes into my meeting with Brian, I knew he was the right fit for the Storm head coaching position. He brings an impressive record of experience in the WNBA and is highly respected in all circles of professional basketball. It's an exciting time for the Storm and we look forward to watching Brian shape this team for even greater success," Sonics & Storm Chairman Clay Bennett said.

"I'm very excited about coming to Seattle, and working for one of the most successful professional women's basketball franchises in history," Agler said. "This franchise has won a championship, and I'm ready to work hard to get this team back to reach that ultimate goal. There is fresh new energy surrounding the Storm and I am thrilled to be a part of it."

Agler completed his third season as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2007. Prior to joining San Antonio, he served as assistant coach with the Phoenix Mercury and helped guide the team to a 17-17 record after the Mercury finished with an 8-26 record in 2003.

Agler spent 15 seasons coaching among the college ranks, including 13 seasons as a head coach. He posted an impressive collegiate record of 248-135 (.648 winning percentage). From 1993-96 he served as the head women's basketball coach at Kansas State. In 1988, Agler took over as the head women's coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In five seasons at UMKC, Agler was 85-54 and took the Kangaroos from a 9-16 record in 1988-89 to four straight winning seasons with 17 or more victories. Under his direction, UMKC led the NCAA in scoring defense three consecutive seasons from 1990-93. In 1991, UMKC set an NCAA team record, allowing 51.8 points per game. As the head women's basketball coach at Northeast Oklahoma A&M Junior College from 1984-88, Agler compiled a 124-42 record (.747 winning percentage). In 1985-86, NEO A&M was ranked second nationally and posted a 30-2 record.

Agler attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he starred on the basketball team for four seasons. He started all 112 games during his college career leaving the school as the all-time assist leader (481). Agler helped lead his team to a 91-21 record during his four years with the Tigers. In 1995, he was inducted into the Wittenberg Hall of Honor.

In 1980, Agler graduated with a degree in special education and physical education. He received his master's degree in education from Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kansas) in 1985. Agler and his wife Robin, have one son, Bryce, and one daughter, Taylor.