Tulsa Shock relieves Gary Kloppenburg of head coaching duties

By Aimee Cooper, Manager of Public & Community Relations, Tulsa Shock

Tulsa, Okla. – The Tulsa Shock relieved Gary Kloppenburg of his head coaching duties today. Kloppenburg’s assistant coaches will not be returning for the 2014 season.

“The ownership group is very appreciative of Coach Kloppenburg’s efforts the last two seasons,” Tulsa Shock owner and managing partner Sam Combs III said. “This was a difficult decision for the franchise. Coach Kloppenburg and his staff have been instrumental in helping to move this team forward. He is a man of character and we wish him success in his future endeavors. Ultimately it comes down to wins and losses.”

“This was a not an easy decision given our personal and working relationship, but we decided to make this change with the ultimate goal of bringing a WNBA championship to Tulsa,” Tulsa Shock president Steve Swetoha said. “I’m confident Gary will do well in the future. We are actively searching for a replacement for the 2014 season.”

Kloppenburg was named Tulsa’s head coach in January, 2012. In his two years with the Shock, Kloppenburg finished with a 20-49 record. Previously, Kloppenburg was assistant coach for four seasons under head coach Lin Dunn with the Indiana Fever.