Image Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Seattle Storm Announce Noelle Quinn Exit Following WNBA Playoff Elimination, Team Looks Ahead to Future Coaching Transition

Storm part ways with longtime coach Quinn

Image Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

The Seattle Storm confirmed on Sunday that head coach Noelle Quinn will not return for the 2026 season. Her contract will not be renewed, ending a five-year tenure that included multiple playoff appearances.

The announcement came just days after the Storm’s narrow 74-73 loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of their first-round series. Noelle Quinn took over the head coaching role in 2021 and guided Seattle to four playoff appearances during her tenure.

The team reached the semi-finals in 2022, but fell short this year by a single basket. Despite the close finish, the organization has decided to move in a new direction. Quinn’s history with the franchise goes beyond her role on the sideline.

The Storm announced today that Head Coach Noelle Quinn’s contract will not be renewed for the 2026 season.

Thank you, Noelle for your dedication and commitment to the Storm.

📰 https://t.co/vSAjG2qd2D pic.twitter.com/PBfj6rvIZU
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) September 21, 2025

She joined the Storm as a player in 2013 and was part of the roster that lifted the WNBA championship in 2018. After retiring, she transitioned to coaching, first as an assistant in 2019 and later as associate head coach in 2020, when Seattle secured its fourth league title.

Her impact has been significant, both as a player and coach. Quinn ranks second in franchise history for most wins by a head coach. Seattle Storm general manager Talisa Rhea acknowledged her contributions in a statement.

Seattle Confirms End of Noelle Quinn Tenure

“On behalf of our organisation, I would like to thank Noelle for her time with the Storm,” Rhea said. “Her commitment to the ongoing success of our organisation and to furthering the development of our players was second to none. She put us in a position to win at the highest levels of the game and for that, we are grateful.”

The Los Angeles native departs with a record of 97-89 over four and a half seasons, though her playoff mark stands at 4-8 in 12 games. The numbers show both her consistency in guiding the team to postseason opportunities and the challenges in advancing deeper into title contention.

Attention now turns to the Storm’s next steps. The search for a new head coach is underway as the team looks to build on recent progress and prepare for the 2026 campaign. With Quinn’s departure, Seattle enters a new chapter, while her own future in basketball remains open.