Lynx add Eric Thibault, Lindsay Whalen to coaching staff

The Minnesota Lynx bolstered their coaching staff on Saturday by adding former Washington Mystics bench boss Eric Thibault as associate head coach and franchise legend Lindsay Whalen as an assistant coach.

"I am excited to add both Eric and Lindsay to our coaching staff," Lynx head coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve said. "Eric has vast experience coaching in the WNBA as both a head and an assistant coach and is a WNBA champion. Lindsay adds a unique perspective as a Lynx legend and Naismith Hall of Famer. I look forward to working with both in our quest for another WNBA championship."

Thibault, 37, served as an assistant coach with the Mystics for 10 years before being named the head coach on Nov. 15, 2022. He guided the Mystics to a 33-47 record in two seasons before being fired on Oct. 23.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Cheryl's staff and to be part of the Minnesota Lynx organization," Thibault said. "The players and staff have built an incredible winning culture, and I'm excited to do my part as we pursue a WNBA championship."

Whalen, 42, spent five seasons as head coach of her alma mater of Minnesota in 2018-23. That came on the heels of her 15-year WNBA career with which she won four titles and was a five-time All-Star while playing for the Connecticut Sun (2004-09) and Lynx (2010-18).

Minnesota retired her No. 13 jersey in 2019.

"I'm so excited to be back with the Lynx and back with Coach and Becky (assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson)," Whalen said. "Eric and I have also known each other for a long time, and for me, I couldn't imagine joining a better staff as I return to coaching and get my first opportunity to coach in the WNBA. We have a special group with this team and I can't wait to get to work."

--Field Level Media