The Chicago Sky’s early 2-6 record has sparked plenty of questions around the team’s chemistry, development, and on-court execution. But for head coach Tyler Marsh, the most important job right now goes far beyond wins and losses.
In the midst of a rocky start to the WNBA season, Marsh is drawing on his years of experience across the league—but acknowledges that nothing quite compares to the weight of the head coach’s chair.
“No, because I think that that’s just because of the position that I’m in,” Marsh said when asked if he could draw parallels to previous slow starts in his career. “I always say, as a player development coach or as an assistant coach, you have the luxury to just make suggestions and not make decisions.”
With the Sky still finding their identity and adjusting to roster changes and injuries, Marsh is laser-focused on what matters most—his players and staff.
“Sure, everything in this seat kind of falls on you and so it’s fine,” Marsh added. “But I think that not being a part of teams that didn’t necessarily have winning seasons—and those are tough in itself, no matter what position you’re in—but I think now the difference is, when you’re not in the head seat, you’re just figuring out how you can make an impact in your role.”
Marsh’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy and emotional intelligence, especially during trying stretches like this.
“Now in this position, it’s more about how can you continue to protect the players and how can you continue to make sure that they’re in good spirits,” he said. “You got a staff that you’re overseeing and how to make sure that they stay uplifted as well.”
As the Sky continue to build and search for continuity, Marsh is embracing the responsibility of guiding the franchise through early adversity. For him, the X’s and O’s come after the human element.
“After these types of games, that’s where my mind and my heart immediately go to—how I can be the best head coach for them,” Marsh said. “And then we worry about basketball after.”
