Hold your breath, WNBA fans! While the league's free agency is currently on pause, the Toronto Tempo are quietly building their foundation. Despite the ongoing negotiations between the WNBA and its players, a free agency moratorium is in place, but that hasn't stopped the Tempo from making strategic moves.
On Wednesday, the Toronto Tempo announced the addition of two assistant coaches to support their newly appointed head coach, Sandy Brondello. This is a critical step for the expansion franchise as they gear up for their inaugural season in 2026.
Joining the Tempo's coaching staff are Ciara Carl and Brian Lankton. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and connections to the table. Lankton joins from the New York Liberty, where he served as a Player Development Coach and Video Coordinator. His background also includes roles with the Indiana Pacers' G League team, the Sacramento Kings, and even Team USA Basketball.
Ciara Carl arrives in Toronto from the Phoenix Mercury, where she held the position of Head Video Coordinator and Assistant Coach since 2023. Her coaching journey also includes stints at the collegiate level, with stops at the University of North Texas, San Diego State, and Metropolitan State University of Denver.
It appears that both Lankton and Carl are stepping up from their video coordinator roles into full-fledged assistant coaching positions. This presents a fantastic opportunity for them to establish themselves with a brand-new expansion team, all while benefiting from the guidance of Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion as a head coach.
But here's where it gets controversial... Rumor has it that Brondello's coaching staff may be rounded out by her husband, Olaf Lange. Lange currently leads the German women's national team and has an extensive coaching resume, including a recent assistant coaching role with Brondello on the Liberty staff and a previous stint with the Chicago Sky.
While the Tempo's coaching staff is taking shape, the team still lacks players. The ongoing contract dispute within the WNBA has delayed the expansion draft for both the Tempo and the Portland Fire. However, the team is proactively making moves to prepare for the moment they can finally build their roster.
What do you think about the Tempo's coaching hires? Do you think they're building a strong foundation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
