Wings Finalize Coaching Staff Under New Head Coach Jose Fernandez

Former USF coach brings in ex-Arkansas head coach and 3 others to lead Dallas franchise's rebuild around Paige Bueckers.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Dallas Wings have finalized their coaching staff under new head coach Jose Fernandez, who was hired this offseason after a successful 25-year tenure at the University of South Florida. Fernandez has brought in former Arkansas head coach Mike Neighbors, as well as Camille Smith, David Adkins, and Empress Davenport as his assistant coaches as the Wings look to build around star rookie Paige Bueckers and the team's 2026 first-round draft pick.

Why it matters

The Wings struggled to a 10-34 record in 2025, finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. But with Bueckers winning Rookie of the Year and the team holding a high draft pick, Fernandez's new coaching staff will be tasked with developing the team's young core and putting the franchise on a path back to the playoffs.

The details

Fernandez, who led USF to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances during his 25-year tenure, was hired by the Wings this offseason to take over as the team's new head coach. In assembling his staff, he brought in Neighbors, the former Arkansas head coach, as well as assistants Camille Smith, David Adkins, and Empress Davenport. The new-look coaching staff will work to maximize the potential of Bueckers, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, and the team's 2026 first-round draft pick as the Wings look to rebuild into a contender in the Western Conference.

  • Fernandez was hired as the new Wings head coach in the 2026 offseason.
  • The Wings finished the 2025 season with a 10-34 record, last in the Western Conference.

The players

Jose Fernandez

The new head coach of the Dallas Wings, hired in the 2026 offseason after a successful 25-year tenure as the head coach of the University of South Florida Bulls.

Paige Bueckers

The star rookie for the Dallas Wings, who won WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2025 after averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Mike Neighbors

The former head coach of the University of Arkansas, who has joined Fernandez's staff as an assistant coach for the Dallas Wings.

Camille Smith

One of the new assistant coaches hired by Jose Fernandez to join the Dallas Wings' coaching staff.

David Adkins

One of the new assistant coaches hired by Jose Fernandez to join the Dallas Wings' coaching staff.

Empress Davenport

One of the new assistant coaches hired by Jose Fernandez to join the Dallas Wings' coaching staff.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Camille Smith, David Adkins, Mike Neighbors & Empress Davenport will serve as assistant coaches in Fernandez's first year at the helm as the Wings look to build around Paige Bueckers & the 2026 No. 1 pick.'”

— Alexa Philippou, Insider

What’s next

The Wings will look to develop Paige Bueckers and their 2026 first-round draft pick under the new coaching staff led by Jose Fernandez, as they aim to rebuild the franchise into a contender in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The hiring of Jose Fernandez as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings, along with his experienced coaching staff, signals a new era for the franchise as they look to build around star rookie Paige Bueckers and their high draft pick in 2026.