Washington Mystics head coach Mike Thibault signs four-year contract extension

Washington Mystics head coach Mike Thibault signed a four-year contract extension the team announced today.

“I am thankful for the faith that Ted Leonsis, Sheila Johnson and all of the ownership group has put in me and my staff to continue on the course we have set for the Mystics organization,” said Thibault. “It is an exciting time to be a Mystics player, coach, staff member, or fan. It has been a total rebuilding process that is coming to fruition and I am looking forward to the many great years ahead with this excellent core group of players that we have been able to put together.”

Thibault was named the team’s head coach and general manager on Dec. 18, 2012. He has led the Mystics to three consecutive playoff appearances (2013, 2014 and 2015). During the 2013 season, Thibault became the WNBA’s all-time winningest coach and received his third Coach of the Year award.

“Mike is one of the best in the game, and we are thrilled that he will continue to lead this franchise,” said founder, chairman, majority owner and CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment Ted Leonsis. “He is the winningest coach in WNBA history and has put together an impressive team that is both a fan favorite and built to succeed. We look forward to his continued leadership.”

Prior to the 2017 season, Thibault made a splash by acquiring Olympian and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Done and signing All-Star and WNBA champion Kristi Toliver.

“We are excited about the work that Mike has done in working to establish the Mystics as one of the premier teams in the WNBA and are pleased to have him lead us for years to come.,” said Sheila C. Johnson, Monumental Sports & Entertainment vice chairman and Mystics managing partner.

In their 2017 opener, the Mystics defeated the San Antonio Stars 89-74 led by Delle Donne. They team returns to action at Los Angeles on Friday, May 19.