Los Angeles Sparks
Head Coach
Los Angeles, CA
Reports to General Manager/Eric Holoman – Managing Partner of the Los Angeles Sparks
Position Summary:
The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a Head Coach to lead the team to success through strategic development, effective coaching, and fostering collaboration with players, coaching staff, and the front office. This role requires a leader who can cultivate a culture of accountability, psychological safety, and resilience while promoting strong relationships and team growth. This position works under the direction of the General Manager/Managing Partner.
Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.
Contacting The Los Angeles Sparks will only delay consideration of your qualifications.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Team Strategy and Development:
Develop and implement game and practice strategies to maximize team performance.
Leverage advanced analytics, film review, and statistical models to evaluate player performance, optimize lineups, and adjust game strategies.
Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions in basketball operations.
Conduct thorough team and player evaluations to assess strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Game Preparation:
Lead practice sessions focused on skill enhancement and tactical execution.
Analyze opponent strategies and adjust game plans accordingly.
Create scouting reports and design game plans for each opponent.
Manage in-game decisions such as substitutions and play calling.
Player Development:
Foster a supportive environment that promotes player development and growth.
Provide clear communication on player roles, expectations, and performance feedback.
Address player concerns constructively to maintain a positive team atmosphere.
Collaborate with the front office, medical staff, strength and conditioning coaches, mental health professionals, and analytics teams to support player health and development.
Culture Development:
Instill and model core values such as teamwork, discipline, courage, joy, and resilience throughout the organization.
Create a culture of accountability and trust, where players feel empowered to contribute both on and off the court.
Promote open communication and collaboration among players, coaching staff, and the front office.
Relationship Building:
Build a strong cohesive relationship with the General Manager and the ownership group.
Build strong, respectful relationships with players, staff, and front office personnel to foster team cohesion.
Engage with players on a personal level to understand their motivations and challenges.
Mentor players, supporting their personal and professional growth.
Community Engagement:
Represent the team at community events, media engagements, and charitable activities.
Serve as a positive ambassador for the team, building relationships with fans, media, and community members while promoting the Los Angeles Sparks brand.
Draft Scouting & Free Agency Participation:
Assist with in-person scouting efforts in preparation for the draft and free agency.
Build relationships and partnerships that support free agency and scouting activities.
Participate in meetings and discussions related to scouting, draft strategy, and free agency planning.
Required Qualifications:
Experience:
Preferred experience as a head coach or assistant coach at the WNBA/NBA, professionally overseas and/or collegiate level.
Demonstrated success in culture development, player development, and team performance.
Skills:
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
In-depth knowledge of basketball strategies, trends, and related technologies.
Experience analyzing data and using analytics to improve performance.
Knowledge of the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), rules, and regulations.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Working Conditions:
Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Travel required.
High-pressure environment focused on achieving performance goals.
This job is located in Los Angeles and must be willing to be in market as required.
Benefits:
Moving expenses
Bonus payment structure
Health and welfare plans
Retirement plans
Housing stipend available for out of market for 8 months season
Starting Minimum Salary:
Salary commensurate on experience.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their coaching philosophy and relevant experience at www.turnkeyzrg.com.
Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department. We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
TurnkeyZRG’S Commitment:
At TurnkeyZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TurnkeyZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.
TurnkeyZRG’S Practice Leader:
Chad Chatlos - Managing Director, College & Coaching Practice
Chad Chatlos leads TurnkeyZRG’s College & Coaching practice. Mr. Chatlos specializes in senior executive searches across the sports industry with a focus on diverse roles in the ever–changing landscape of Intercollegiate Athletics. He has recently completed multiple Power Five Commissioner searches for the ACC, Pac-12, Big 10 and Big 12. Chad has also placed multiple Power 5 Head Football coaches and played a pivotal role in the NCAA President search. Prior to joining TurnkeyZRG, Mr. Chatlos started and ran the Sports & Entertainment Practice at Ventura Partners. With more than 15 years of experience in sports marketing and event management, Mr. Chatlos has extensive property, agency, and corporate experience in the business of sports. Throughout his career, Mr. Chatlos has completed searches for the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, multiple National Governing Bodies, and several brands as well. Mr. Chatlos earned a degree in economics from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He served over six years with distinction including multiple meritorious decorations. While at the Naval Academy, he was the captain of the varsity football team.
Katy Young Staudt - Vice President, College & Coaching Practice
Ms. Young Staudt is TurnkeyZRG’s Vice President of College & Coaching and one of the very top search executives in sports. For 18 years, she has supported 200+ searches for Division I head coaches, athletic directors, and administrators at institutions such as Yale, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Cal, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Fresno State, Bucknell, Fairfield, Cleveland State, Tulsa, TCU, and Johns Hopkins to name a few. Ms. Young Staudt has also been a sought–after talent recruiter for Ventura Partners, the global firm WittKieffer, and the sports search firm Eastman & Beaudine. Notably, Ms. Young Staudt also ran talent acquisition & recruiting for Learfield. Ms. Young Staudt has also held the roles of Assistant Athletics Director, Marketing for the University of California–Riverside, and Vice President of Business Development for a foundation management company specializing in 501c3 charity events for coaches.
Billy King - Managing Director
Billy King joined TurnkeyZRG as a Managing Director in January 2024, bringing with him over two decades of experience in Sports & Entertainment. Prior to his time in executive search, Billy was co-host of The WIP Morning Show in Philadelphia., while also serving as a studio analyst for NBATV. Along with his radio and tv hosting duties King was President of Elfus Sports, where he worked as an agent for basketball coaches and general managers. Previously King was the President of ReachMe Sports a division of ReachTV based in Los Angeles. ReachMeTV is a multi channel multi platform network that has a reach of 100 million viewers.