Tulsa Shock coach and general manager Nolan Richardson resigns – WNBA Update
After nearly one year and eight months, Nolan Richardson’s reign at Tulsa Shock has come to a rather unexpected end.
Tulsa have been struggling to make a mark this season and have managed to win just one in the eleven games, they have played so far. The 86-78 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night proved to be the last straw.
The Hall of Famer met co-owner David Box at the end of the game and after a long discussion, the 69-year-old stepped down from the head-coaching and general manager job, one which he has held with the slumping Tulsa since October
20, 2009.
Richardson, who had led Arkansas to an NCAA men's championship in his previous assignment as a coach, carried the franchise to 7-38 record in a little more than one season. Announcing the decision, Richardson showed deep concern
at the current position of the team, but maintained that he has done so in the best interest of the team,
"While I am saddened to leave the Tulsa Shock at this time and in this manner, I am also very disappointed in the way we have started the year, and as coach, I accept my share of the responsibility.” He said.
Tulsa have been in shambles in the last two seasons and have earned the Bottom of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Barrel Award. The responsibility to guide the lowly franchise has now fallen on the shoulders
of one of Richardson’s assistants, Teresa Edwards.
Teresa Edwards, who played for the Minnesota Lynx during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, will replace Richardson on an interim basis. The 46-year-old is an Olympic gold medallist who will go into the basketball Hall of Fame next month.
Edwards will make her debut in Tulsa’s second straight game against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday night at US Airways Center.
Box is confident that with Richardson’s departure, Tulsa will not overcome their poor performance.
"Teresa knows our team well and the players respect her management, leadership and passion for the game," Box said. "Her credentials are strong and she knows what it takes to succeed. She will serve as the Tulsa Shock's interim
coach for the remainder of the season."
Edwards, on the other hand, praised the former coach and acknowledged that she learned a lot about basketball and life from the Richardson in a short period. The interim coach considers Richardson "a winner in every aspect both
as a coach and a citizen."
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