Mercury, Brondello part ways

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

After eight seasons in Phoenix, head coach Sandy Brondello and the Mercury have agreed to part ways.

“The basketball success we’ve achieved in that time is a credit to her, her staff, our players, and the culture she was part of building,” General Manager, Jim Pitman said in a release.

Brondello led the Mercury to a WNBA Championship in 2014 and her teams made six Semifinal appearances.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity and time that I have had with the Phoenix Mercury and would like to thank Robert Sarver and Jim Pitman, my staff and players who I have worked with throughout my time,” Brondello said. “Thank you also to the X-Factor for your support and for making the atmosphere at our games so memorable.”

Her players consistently stepped up at the right time and their toughness yielded results.

The franchise finished with over 18 wins in five out of her eight years as head coach.

“She oversaw our program with the utmost integrity, and I’m sincerely grateful for her partnership and friendship,” Pitman said. “Sandy and her family will always be a part of the X-Factor family, and we wish them the best.”

While it won’t be easy to fill Brondello’s shoes, Pitman and his staff have begun looking for potential candidates.

“We are confident a new voice is necessary for our team at this time,” Pitman said. “Our expectation is to compete for championships now and in the future, and the search to find the head coach who can help lead us there has already begun.”