WNBA: Mystics hire Jamila Wideman as GM, Sydney Johnson as head coach

In recent days, the Washington Mystics had signaled that the organization was close to naming a new general manager and head coach. On Monday, they closed the deals, hiring Jamila Wideman as the team’s general manager and Sydney Johnson as head coach.

A former Stanford standout who was selected No. 3 overall in the 1997 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks before playing for three teams across her four-year WNBA career, Wideman claims extensive executive experience in basketball, most recently working as senior vice president of player development for the NBA for the past six years.

Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger cited Wideman’s experience when speaking about how he envisions her elevating the franchise, noting:

Jamila’s breadth of experience, range of core competencies, and passion for developing the whole athlete, makes her the ideal person to usher in the new era of Mystics Basketball. Together with her player connectivity, big picture vision, and intimate knowledge of the global scope of our game, we feel strongly that Jamila will be a bedrock for our athletes, coaches, and staff as they pursue another championship for the DMV.

Wideman expressed excitement about returning to the WNBA, sharing:

I have strong roots in the WNBA and have had the privilege of playing with, working alongside, and witnessing the incredible people who are the athletes at the center of the game. The very best I have seen share some core qualities—curiosity, humility, and imagination. I look forward to building a Mystics team in partnership with the players, coaches, and staff that reflects this core. I hope to create a space where player voices and aspirations are centered in all we do on and off the court. We will build with intention, humanity, and joy.

Experience likewise defines Johnson, who will bring his 25 years in the game to the head coaching position in DC. Most recently, Johnson was an assistant coach with the Chicago Sky during the 2024 WNBA season. He also has been a coach with USA Basketball, including leading Team USA’s 3×3 squad to silver at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup. Brittney Sykes, who remains under contract with the Mystics for the 2025 season, was a member of that team.

Winger said of Johnson:

Sydney brings an exceptional combination of acumen, tenacity, and empathy that will elevate our play and galvanize the team around the new direction for this championship franchise. His deep love of basketball and passion for uplifting others make him a natural fit in our greater Monumental Basketball ecosystem.

On taking over the Mystics, Johnson emphasized the principles that will drive his team, saying:

As a team, we will carry the core values that drive this franchise—excellence, togetherness, joy, competitiveness, and accountability through everything we do—from the way we practice and play to how we show up in the community and engage and inspire our fanbase.