Mike Thibault coached in Connecticut for 10 years and led the Sun to eight WNBA playoff berths and two WNBA finals appearances.
Former Connecticut Sun head coach Mike Thibault will be honored as a Sun Legend after Sunday’s contest when the Sun host the Minnesota Lynx at 1 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Thibault will be recognized in a special postgame presentation celebrating his foundational role in the franchise’s success. The game will serve as the team’s Homecoming themed game, inviting fans to look back over the years of Connecticut Sun basketball and celebrate those who have called Connecticut home throughout the last two decades.
To commemorate the occasion, fans in attendance will receive a commemorative, mini Sun Legends banner.
“I’m very honored to be recognized by the Connecticut Sun,” Thibault said. “My time in Connecticut was special for me and my whole family. To be entrusted to lead the first non-NBA owned WNBA team in one of the Meccas of women’s basketball was a privilege and a responsibility that all of us involved treasured and took ownership of.
“We set out to form a culture on and off the court that would make all of our fans, staff, and players feel a part of a larger basketball family. I am proud of what we were able to establish and accomplish,” he said.
Thibault served as head coach of the Connecticut Sun from 2003 to 2012, guiding the franchise through its early years and establishing a culture of sustained success.
Over his tenure, he compiled a 206–134 record across 340 games, finishing with a 60.59 winning percentage while positioning the Sun as one of the WNBA’s most consistent contenders.
Thibault guided the team eight playoff appearances in 10 seasons. The Sun reached the WNBA Finals in 2004 and 2005, and the team advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals five times.
A two-time WNBA Coach of the Year, Thibault earned the honor in both 2006 and 2008, becoming one of the most accomplished and influential figures in franchise history.
Beyond the WNBA, Thibault has built an extensive resume over three decades with USA Basketball.
During his time as head coach of the Connecticut Sun, Thibault served as an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning teams at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship and 2008 Olympic Games, as well as the bronze medal-winning team at the 2006 FIBA World Cup.
Thibault now joins an elite group of Sun Legends, including Jonquel Jones (35), Jasmine Thomas (5), Alyssa Thomas (25), Tina Charles (31), Taj McWilliams-Franklin (11), Margo Dydek (12), Nykesha Sales (42), Katie Douglas (23), Lindsay Whalen (13), Asjha Jones (15), and Curt Miller, all of whom have left a lasting mark on the franchise.
It is the second-to-last game for the Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. The final game will be Tuesday, Sept. 24 against Toronto. The Sun will be moving to Houston next season.