When the Dallas Wings announced the hiring of longtime University of South Florida head coach Jose Fernandez on October 27, 2025, it sent ripples across both college and professional women’s basketball. But perhaps no one was more thrilled than UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma, who not only knows Fernandez personally but also understands exactly what his arrival in Dallas could mean for his former star, Paige Bueckers.
For Auriemma, the connection runs much deeper than basketball. His friendship with Fernandez spans three decades, dating back to the days when their teams competed against each other in the Big East Conference. That shared history gives Auriemma a unique perspective on what kind of leader Fernandez will be for the Wings — and why he believes Bueckers couldn’t ask for a better professional coach to guide her in the early stages of her WNBA career.
A Friendship Rooted in Respect and the Game
Auriemma has never been shy about expressing admiration for his coaching peers, but when it comes to Fernandez, there’s a genuine sense of warmth and trust. Their friendship has been built on years of mutual respect, competitive battles, and an unspoken understanding of what it takes to build a winning program from the ground up.
“I think he’s a tremendous coach, obviously, as everybody knows,” Auriemma said when asked about Fernandez’s move to the WNBA. “But what stands out to me most is how much he cares about the game itself. He puts in the time and effort — not just for wins, but for the development of players and the integrity of the sport.”
The two have spent years exchanging ideas about coaching philosophies, player management, and the constant evolution of women’s basketball. Auriemma even joked that their conversations sometimes feel like therapy sessions for coaches. “There are a lot of things about the game that I want to talk to him about,” Auriemma laughed. “And he might be the one guy who will actually ask me what I think.”
Fernandez’s Legacy at USF: Building a Powerhouse from the Ground Up
Jose Fernandez’s résumé speaks for itself. Over 25 seasons as head coach at the University of South Florida, he turned a once-overlooked program into a consistent national contender. Under his guidance, the USF Bulls made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and became a fixture in March Madness conversations. His tenure was marked by discipline, defensive intensity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence — qualities that ultimately led him to nearly 500 career wins before he made the jump to the professional level.
Fernandez’s leadership style has always been rooted in adaptability. He found ways to win regardless of roster turnover or conference shifts, developing a program that could go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the country. His ability to identify and develop talent became a hallmark of his coaching identity. More than 100 of his former players went on to play professionally around the world, and seven of them were drafted into the WNBA. Among those players are current league standouts like Courtney Williams, whose toughness and versatility mirror the traits Fernandez has instilled in all his athletes.
It was that track record of consistent player development and competitive excellence that ultimately caught the attention of Dallas Wings general manager Curt Miller, who knew the franchise needed a steady, developmental-minded coach to lead a young team centered around one of the league’s brightest stars.
“Jose consistently produces professional players and is regarded as an excellent developer of talent,” Miller said following Fernandez’s hiring. “He’s the kind of leader who can bring out the best in both veterans and rising stars — and that’s exactly what our roster needs.”
The Dallas Challenge: Rebuilding Around a Generational Talent
The Wings’ 2025 season was, in many ways, a frustrating one. Despite having the WNBA Rookie of the Year in Paige Bueckers, Dallas finished with a disappointing 10–34 record, struggling to find consistency on both ends of the court. The team had flashes of potential — especially when Bueckers was facilitating the offense — but it was clear that they needed a new vision, a new system, and a coach who could build a culture that maximized the team’s strengths.
Enter Jose Fernandez.
For Auriemma, the pairing of Bueckers and Fernandez feels like destiny. Bueckers, one of the most talented guards ever to play for UConn, has always thrived under structured yet flexible systems — environments that encourage creativity within discipline. That’s exactly what Fernandez offers.
“Paige is at her best when she’s playing free, but with purpose,” Auriemma once said about his former star. “She doesn’t need someone to control her. She needs someone who understands her instincts — someone who gives her the structure to excel while allowing her to be herself.”
Fernandez’s track record suggests he can do just that. His teams at USF were known for their intelligent ball movement, defensive communication, and an emphasis on fundamentals — all elements that could complement Bueckers’ high-IQ, all-around style of play.
The Human Side of Coaching: Why Fernandez Fits the Modern WNBA
Beyond tactics and talent, what makes Fernandez such an appealing hire for Dallas — and such a perfect fit for Bueckers — is his holistic approach to coaching. He doesn’t just build basketball players; he builds people.
During his time at USF, Fernandez was deeply involved in his players’ academic and personal development, often describing his program as a “family first, basketball second” environment. That philosophy aligns perfectly with the kind of mentorship that young WNBA players crave as they navigate the transition from college to professional basketball.
Earlier in 2025, Fernandez’s leadership was recognized on a national scale when he was named President of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), a prestigious role that oversees more than 3,000 members across all levels of women’s basketball. His peers saw in him a voice of reason, balance, and advocacy — someone who prioritized the advancement of the sport rather than personal recognition.
UCLA head coach Cori Close, who has worked alongside Fernandez through the WBCA, praised him for his servant-leader mentality. “One of the things I love about Jose is that it’s really never about him,” Close said. “It’s truly about what’s best for the game — about the players, the coaches, and the future of women’s basketball.”
That mindset will be crucial as Fernandez steps into the WNBA, a league where player empowerment, mental wellness, and collaborative coaching have become central themes in recent years.
Geno’s Perspective: What Paige Needs Now
Having coached some of the greatest players in basketball history — from Diana Taurasi to Breanna Stewart — Auriemma has a unique understanding of how elite players evolve. In his view, the key to unlocking Bueckers’ full potential lies not in giving her more responsibility, but in surrounding her with the right kind of mentorship.
“Paige doesn’t need someone to teach her how to play,” Auriemma said with a smile. “What she needs is someone who knows when to step back and let her figure it out, and when to step in and push her to another level. Jose gets that balance. He’s done it his whole career.”
Bueckers’ transition to the WNBA hasn’t been without challenges. While her individual numbers were impressive — earning her Rookie of the Year honors — Dallas’s overall struggles highlighted the growing pains of a young roster. Auriemma believes Fernandez’s steady hand and developmental approach could be exactly what the team needs to turn potential into results.
“With Jose there, she’s going to have someone who understands not just how to coach her, but how to coach around her,” Auriemma added. “He’s going to create a system that maximizes her playmaking while building confidence in everyone else.”
Bridging the College and Pro Game
One of the underrated aspects of Fernandez’s hiring is the bridge it builds between the college and professional levels. Auriemma and Fernandez have long been advocates for aligning the developmental philosophies between NCAA and WNBA programs — ensuring that players transition smoothly without having to completely relearn their roles.
That continuity could make Dallas a more appealing destination for future rookies. With Fernandez at the helm, the Wings will likely implement a system that mirrors the disciplined yet creative styles seen in top college programs like UConn, Stanford, and South Carolina. And with Auriemma just a phone call away, Fernandez has an invaluable resource for insights into how to best support Bueckers’ growth on and off the court.
It’s not hard to imagine the two coaches continuing their long-standing friendship through late-night strategy talks or scouting conversations. Their shared love of the game — and mutual respect for each other’s expertise — could indirectly shape the future of Dallas basketball.
A Fresh Chapter for Both Coaches
For Geno Auriemma, watching one of his closest friends take the next step in his career — while simultaneously guiding one of his most beloved players — feels like a full-circle moment. For Fernandez, it’s an opportunity to bring his decades of collegiate success to a league that’s rapidly growing in popularity and competitiveness.
“This is a great move for the WNBA,” Auriemma said. “Jose’s passion, his knowledge, his ability to connect with players — it’s all there. And for Paige, I can’t think of a better coach to help her take the next step.”
As the Dallas Wings prepare for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how Fernandez and Bueckers work together. Can the veteran coach transform a struggling franchise into a playoff contender? Can he help Bueckers evolve from a promising rookie into a perennial All-Star?
If Auriemma’s confidence is any indication, the answer might be yes.
“He’s not just going to make her a better player,” Auriemma said. “He’s going to make her love the game even more. And when Paige Bueckers loves the game — watch out.”
