The Los Angeles Sparks hired Utah head coach Lynne Roberts to the same position on Tuesday.
Roberts, 49, is a California native who has excelled at the collegiate level, most recently as the Utes’ head coach since 2015.
Utah announced that associate head coach Gavin Petersen was promoted to head coach to replace Roberts. The Utes were 3-1 two weeks into the new season.
“First and foremost, Lynne’s leadership and integrity stand out,” Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said in a news release. “Her ability to partner with players while creating a winning culture will translate as we continue our path toward championship contention. Lynne has a dynamic and forward-thinking offensive mind, and her up-tempo style fits perfectly with the way we want to play. We love how she maximized her talent at Utah in one of the nation’s strongest conferences. We are honored to welcome Lynne and her family to Los Angeles.”
The Sparks were replacing Curt Miller after the sides mutually agreed to part ways following the 2024 season, which saw Los Angeles finish a league-worst 8-32.
“I am honored to be named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks,” Roberts said. “… From conversations with (managing partner) Eric Holoman and Raegan Pebley, it is evident that we share a like-minded commitment toward creating a winning culture and team. The Sparks have a talented roster with tremendous upside, and we will compete tirelessly for WNBA championships. I believe Los Angeles should be the premier market in the WNBA, and I’m eager to partner with our players and front office to make this happen.”
Roberts guided the Utes to each of the past three NCAA Tournaments, including a Sweet 16 berth in 2023. She went 165-116 at Utah in parts of 10 seasons and previously coached Pacific from 2006-15.
Roberts thanked Utah for her time at the university.
“I was very happy at the U and had no intentions of leaving to go anywhere else,” Roberts said in a press release from Utah. “I believe in (athletic director) Mark Harlan and I believe in what we were building. That said, the opportunity to coach for one of the league’s premiere franchises at the highest level in the WNBA, in my home state, was too good to pass up. The ownership group and the team’s leadership have a vision and a plan in place for storied success, and I am excited about this incredible opportunity and challenge.”
Petersen has coached at Utah since 2015, when he joined Roberts’ first coaching staff.
Utah did not make any mention of an interim tag for Petersen, indicating the full-time job belongs to him.
“Our focus is on our student-athletes and staff, and I’m thrilled to be able to promote Gavin Petersen to head coach,” Harlan said. “Gavin has proven his coaching ability over his lengthy career and his deep relationships with our student-athletes, and he has played an instrumental role in building the culture of our women’s basketball program. He is absolutely the perfect choice to lead our program, and I’m excited for what this team can achieve this season and beyond under Gavin’s leadership.”
This marks the second college head coach to make the jump to the WNBA this month. The Atlanta Dream hired Karl Smesko away from Florida Gulf Coast last week.
–Field Level Media
