Storm Signs Head Coach Brian Agler To New Contract
September 14, 2009 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release
SEATTLE, Monday, Sept. 14, 2009 - Seattle Storm President and CEO Karen Bryant announced today that Brian Agler, head coach and director of player and personnel, has signed a two-year contract with the Storm. The new contract runs through 2011, but includes an option for a third year.
"We are thrilled that Brian Agler will continue building on what has been a very successful two-year tenure with the Storm organization," Bryant said. "During his short time here, he has led the team to two 20-win seasons and established the Storm as one of the top defensive teams in the WNBA."
The third coach in the Storm's history, Agler has taken Seattle to two straight playoff appearances, guiding the team to a franchise-best 22-12 record in 2008. He also played a major role in the Storm's 2009 re-signings of free agent and two-time MVP Lauren Jackson and five-time All-WNBA player Sue Bird.
"His players respect him and enjoy being coached by him," Bryant said. "He has an impressive record of experience, and he knows how to motivate them to achieve success on the basketball court."
Prior to joining the Storm, Agler served for three years as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Silver Stars. Before joining San Antonio, he was as assistant coach with the Phoenix Mercury and helped guide the team to a 17-17 record after the Mercury finished with an 8-26 record in 2003. He was the head coach and general manager of the expansion Minnesota Lynx from 1999-2002, and also served as head coach of the Columbus Quest of the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1996-1999, compiling an 82-22 record. He led the Quest to back-to-back ABL championships in 1997 and 1998 and was named the ABL Coach of the Year for the 1997 season.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to coach the Seattle Storm into the future, and I'm looking forward to working with our quality players and staff," Agler said. "Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird are two of the best in the world at their positions. It has been great working with them, and I look forward to continuing our pursuit of another championship."
Agler spent 15 seasons coaching among the college ranks, including 13 seasons as a head coach. He posted an impressive collegiate record of 248-135 (.648 winning percentage). From 1993-96 he served as the head women's basketball coach at Kansas State. In 1988, Agler took over as the head women's coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In five seasons at UMKC, Agler was 85-54 and took the Kangaroos from a 9-16 record in 1988-89 to four straight winning seasons with 17 or more victories. Under his direction, UMKC led the NCAA in scoring defense three consecutive seasons from 1990-93. In 1991, UMKC set an NCAA team record, allowing 51.8 points per game. As the head women's basketball coach at Northeast Oklahoma A&M Junior College from 1984-88, Agler compiled a 124-42 record (.747 winning percentage). In 1985-86, NEO A&M was ranked second nationally and posted a 30-2 record.
Agler attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he starred on the basketball team for four seasons. He started all 112 games during his college career leaving the school as the all-time assist leader (481). Agler helped lead his team to a 91-21 record during his four years with the Tigers. In 1995, he was inducted into the Wittenberg Hall of Honor.
In 1980, Agler graduated with a degree in special education and physical education. He received his master's degree in education from Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kansas) in 1985. Agler and his wife Robin, have one son, Bryce, and one daughter, Taylor.
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