Dawn Staley wants Cheryl Reeve to succeed her at Team USA

Following Team USA’s record seventh-straight Olympic gold medal, head coach Dawn Staley announced her retirement as from Team USA basketball coach.

She told the Star Tribune’s Jim Souhan after the fact that she would be recommending Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve as her successor.

Reeve has been an assistant for Team USA at the past two Olympics as well as for multiple world championships. For her part, she thinks Staley should continue in her current position.

“I appreciate Dawn’s confidence,” Reeve told the Star Tribune. “At the same time, I think Dawn should keep the team.”

Regardless of what happens, Reeve also believes that whoever replaces Staley should come from the WNBA. In the past, the head job has traditionally been held by college coaches.

“It’s all WNBA players [on the roster],” Reeve said. “I would like to see a WNBA coach lead the next team if Dawn is truly done. That’s probably the extent of what I’d say on it.”

If Staley is truly done, Team USA will be looking for a new coach with the 2022 FIBA World Cup in Australia on the horizon. It’s a lofty role with high expectations as the team looks to continue their success, having won 55 consecutive Olympic games and seven consecutive gold medals.