UNCASVILLE, CT. (Feb. 28, 2005) — Four months after reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, the Connecticut Sun have extended the contract of head coach Mike Thibault through the 2008 season.Assistant coaches Scott Hawk and Bernadette Mattox also had their contracts extended through 2008. As per team policy, terms were not released.
“I’m as excited now to continue with this job as I was the first day I accepted the position two years ago,” Thibault said in a statement. “I’m happy that the ownership and I are both committed to making this a great situation for our players and our fans. Now, we can continue our plan to make this the best franchise in the WNBA. On a personal note, it assures my family that they will be part of the Connecticut community for years to come.”
In his two seasons as the head coach of the Sun, Thibault has led the team to 43 victories and consecutive playoff appearances. Last season, the Sun finished first in the Eastern Conference during the regular season for the first time in team history. Connecticut went on to beat the Washington Mystics and New York Liberty, capturing the first Eastern Conference title in franchise history before succumbing to the Seattle Storm in the WNBA Finals. Thibault’s winning percentage is .537, the best in team history.
The Sun also announced that they have re-signed reserve players Le’Coe Willingham and Jennifer Derevjanik for the upcoming season.
