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Examining Brian Agler's Coaching Ties to the Phoenix Mercury
The veteran WNBA coach has had a long history with the Mercury organization over the years.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:04am
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Brian Agler, a two-time WNBA championship-winning coach, has had a long and winding career path that has intersected with the Phoenix Mercury on multiple occasions. From serving as an assistant coach in 2004 to later coaching rival teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm, Agler's coaching journey has been closely tied to the Mercury franchise.
Why it matters
Agler's history with the Mercury provides insight into the web of connections that exist within the WNBA coaching community, as well as the rivalries and relationships that have developed over the league's 25-year history. His success as a head coach, including two titles, also highlights the Mercury's ability to attract top-tier coaching talent.
The details
Agler first joined the Mercury's coaching staff in 2004 under then-head coach Carrie Graf. He later became an assistant with the San Antonio Silver Stars before taking the head coaching job with the Seattle Storm, where he won a championship in 2010. Agler also won a title with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 before stints with the Dallas Wings and his current role with the Mercury's rival, the Minnesota Lynx. Prior to his WNBA career, Agler coached the Columbus Quest in the now-defunct American Basketball League (ABL), where he won two championships and coached future WNBA stars like Dawn Staley and Yolanda Griffith.
- Agler joined the Mercury's coaching staff in 2004.
- He became an assistant with the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2005.
- Agler won a WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm in 2010.
- He won another title with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016.
The players
Brian Agler
A veteran WNBA coach who has won two championships, including one with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016.
Carrie Graf
The former head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, who Agler served as an assistant under in 2004.
Dawn Staley
A former WNBA player who played for Agler's Columbus Quest team in the American Basketball League (ABL).
Yolanda Griffith
A former WNBA MVP and All-Star who also played for Agler's Columbus Quest team in the ABL.
Tonya Edwards
A former WNBA player who was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx after the ABL folded, and later played for the Phoenix Mercury.
What they’re saying
“Agler had some great years in the WNBA, and in between coaching Kansas State and starting his job with the Lynx, he was involved with another league. He coached the Columbus Quest of the American Basketball League (ABL). That league featured some talented players, and some of them made their way to the WNBA.”
— Davion Moore, Author
The takeaway
Agler's coaching career has been closely intertwined with the Phoenix Mercury organization, highlighting the web of connections that exist within the WNBA. His success as a head coach, including two championships, also demonstrates the Mercury's ability to attract top-tier coaching talent to their franchise.
