PHOENIX — The Nate Tibbetts era has begun at the Phoenix Mercury. The team announced Tibbetts' hiring as the team's new head coach on Oct. 18.
In a news release, the Mercury called Tibbetts a veteran and praised his two decades of experience in the NBA and NBA G League.
Tibbetts said he and his family are thrilled to join the Mercury organization.
“The leadership, alignment and commitment from Mat Ishbia, Josh Bartelstein and Nick U’Ren made this an incredible opportunity," said Tibbetts. "I look forward to being a part of the Mercury and building and sustaining a winning organization on and off the court that our community can support and rally around.”
General Manager Nick U’Ren described Tibbetts as an excellent basketball coach and an even better person.
“I am excited to work with him as we build an organization that our players, fans and community will be proud of," said U'Ren. "His knowledge of the game, and commitment to creating a winning culture on and off the floor will be invaluable as we lead the Mercury into our next championship era.”
A native of Jefferson, South Dakota, Tibbetts played collegiate basketball at the University of South Dakota. While there, he won three conference titles. He is also a member of the college's Sports Hall of Fame.
Tibbetts began his NBA coaching career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011.
His prior experience also includes two seasons as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic and eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers.
In 2011, Tibbetts served as the head coach for Team USA at the Pan American Games, with the team earning a bronze medal.
Tibbetts comes from a basketball family. His dad is Fred Tibbetts. The senior Tibbetts won 11 high school state championships as a coach
Tibbetts is a girl dad. He and his wife Lyndsey have two daughters, twins Londyn and Jordyn.
Team owner Mat Ishbia said he's excited to welcome Tibbetts to the team.
“From bringing the WNBA All-Star game to Phoenix, building a dedicated practice facility for the Mercury, and now to bringing on Nate as our head coach, everything we do, on and off the floor, centers around our fans, elevating Phoenix as the epicenter of basketball, and setting a new standard for investment in women’s sports,” said Ishbia.
Tibbetts is the 12th head coach in the team's history.
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Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made the State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers also play at the Footprint. Phoenix has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Cactus Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the Waste Management Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall; and Cactus League Spring Training.