Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger announced a major leadership change for the Washington Mystics as General Manager Mike Thibault and Head Coach Eric Thibault have mutually agreed to part ways with the organization. This decision marks the end of an era that saw the Mystics become one of the premier franchises in the WNBA, including capturing the team’s first championship in 2019.
“After extensive reflection and conversation, we have decided we are at a point in our competitive and evolutionary cycle to turn the team over to new leadership with a renewed vision to carve our path into the future of WNBA basketball,” Winger stated. “Coach Mike elevated the Mystics program to its proud status as a league leader in innovation, the standard bearer in player care, and a model franchise. His fingerprints are all over this franchise and will be for years to come. We are grateful for Mike’s commitment, passion, and leadership and wish him well.”
The Thibaults’ departure marks the conclusion of a decade-long partnership with the Mystics. Mike Thibault joined the organization on December 18, 2012, taking on the dual roles of General Manager and Head Coach. Under his leadership, Washington quickly rose to prominence, making eight postseason appearances and consistently competing among the WNBA’s top teams. The pinnacle of Thibault’s tenure came in 2019 when he guided the Mystics to their first-ever WNBA championship. That championship team, led by MVP Elena Delle Donne, showcased Thibault’s ability to build a roster that balanced elite talent with depth.
Thibault’s coaching career, which spans more than two decades in the WNBA, is decorated with numerous accolades. In 2013, after just his first season with Washington, Thibault earned his third WNBA Coach of the Year award. His leadership helped elevate the careers of numerous players, including Delle Donne, who thrived under his system, and others who earned MVP and All-WNBA honors during his tenure. Thibault’s emphasis on innovation in player care and development, as well as his strategic approach to roster construction, left a lasting impact not only on the Mystics but across the league.
In 2023, Mike Thibault stepped down from his head coaching duties to focus exclusively on basketball operations, handing over the coaching reins to his son, Eric Thibault. Eric, who had spent a decade as an assistant coach and four years as associate head coach with the Mystics, was named the team’s 14th head coach in November 2022. During his time with the team, Eric played a crucial role in their success, particularly during the back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2018 and 2019, which culminated in the historic championship run.
As head coach, Eric Thibault helped guide the Mystics to the postseason in 2023, continuing the franchise’s tradition of excellence. His ability to develop players and manage all aspects of the team’s basketball operations was praised by Winger, who noted, “Coach Eric is a skilled coach and equally talented motivator. Our players are fortunate to have played for Eric these past two seasons, as will many other players in this league for decades ahead.”
Despite Eric Thibault’s efforts to sustain the success of the Mystics, the team had a very up-and-down 2024 season. The decision to part ways with both Thibault’s signals a desire to take the team in a new direction with renewed leadership as the WNBA continues to evolve and grow in competitiveness.
The Thibaults’ legacy in Washington is undeniable. They helped build a winning culture, turned the Mystics into perennial contenders, and brought a championship to the nation’s capital. The next phase for the team, however, will focus on finding new voices and visionaries to guide them into the future.
As the Mystics search for new leadership, the team remains well-positioned for continued success. With a core of talented players, including Ariel Atkins and Shakira Austin, and a commitment to excellence, the organization will aim to remain at the forefront of the WNBA under its next regime. The departure of the Thibault’s now opens the door to a new era of opportunity and growth for the franchise.