People seem to forget that Kobe Bryant’s father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant played in the NBA . So he’s familiar with organized basketball at the highest level. Well, he’s back at the highest level of hoops, but in the WNBA, and this is actually his second stint coaching the L.A. Sparks.
The Los Angeles Sparks have dismissed Jennifer Gillom as coach and replaced her with Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, the father of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant who previously coached the WNBA team.
General manager Penny Toler announced the move Sunday night, saying it was necessary to take the team in a different direction.
“Joe’s familiarity with the Sparks organization puts us in the best possible position to compete going forward, and should make for a seamless transition,” Toler said in a statement released by the team. “We respect Jennifer’s commitment to the Sparks and understand she has faced adversity with player injuries during her tenure. That being said, with a short season and playing in the competitive Western Conference, winning games early in the year is critical and the Sparks’ goal remains to contend for a WNBA Championship.”
Bryant previously coached the Sparks from August 2005 through the 2006 season, guiding them to two playoff appearances. He was hired in March as an assistant to Gillom. Sandy Brondello remains as an assistant.
Read more about Joe Bryant being named coach of the Sparks at ESPN.com.
