General manager Penny Toler announced the move Sunday night, saying it was necessary to take the team in a different direction. That being said, with a short season and playing in the competitive Western Conference, winning games early in the year is critical and the Sparks' goal remains to contend for a WNBA championship.
Bryant previously coached the Sparks from August through the season, guiding them to two playoff appearances. He was hired in March as an assistant to Gillom.
Sandy Brondello remains as an assistant. Toler says it was difficult to dismiss Gillom, who lost several players to injuries during her tenure, including Sparks star Candace Parker. Parker will miss six weeks with a knee injury.
Last season, Parker was limited to 10 games because of a shoulder injury, and the team lost guard Betty Lennox to knee surgery. The Sparks won just three of their first 10 games, but made the playoffs in Gillom's first season, when she had just nine healthy players. Skip to main content Skip to navigation.
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