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Lin Dunn
Lin Dunn
from Wikipedia

Lin Dunn (born May 10, 1947)[1] is an American women's basketball executive and former coach, who is currently a senior advisor with the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. She was recently the general manager of the Fever.[2] She is most known for being the first coach and general manager for the Seattle Storm. She guided Indiana Fever to their first ever WNBA title. She has more than 500 wins to her name.

Key Information

A native of Dresden, Tennessee, Dunn graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1969. She coached for decades in the college ranks, amassing a 447–257 record in 25 seasons as a college head coach. In her tenure at Austin Peay State University (1970–1976), the University of Mississippi (1977–1978), the University of Miami (1978–1987) and Purdue University (1987–1996), she made the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship seven times, and the Final Four once, in 1994 with Purdue. She is in the Athletics Hall of Fame at both Austin Peay and Miami. Dunn also was president of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association in 1984–85.

Dunn was abruptly fired at Purdue after the 1995–96 season, but resurfaced in the pros with the American Basketball League's Portland Power in 1996. She was ABL's coach of the year in 1998, right before that league folded. Dunn then became the first coach and GM of the expansion Seattle Storm in the ABL's rival, the WNBA. Her folksy southern personality was a hit in urbane Seattle, with fans often wearing Dunn masks and quoting her rustic aphorisms. The team started with a dismal 6–26 season.

Dunn left the Storm just as it was starting to have success. New superstars Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird led the team to the 2002 playoffs, where they were swept by the Los Angeles Sparks. Dunn then resigned, leaving the path open for Anne Donovan to build a championship team just two seasons later.

Dunn is a former head coach of the Indiana Fever.[3] Dunn won the WNBA championship with the Fever on October 21, 2012.

On May 6, 2014, Dunn announced her retirement from coaching at the end of the year.

On June 14, 2014, Dunn was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.[4]

On May 24, 2016, she was introduced as an assistant coach for Matthew Mitchell at Kentucky.[5] On May 26, 2017, UK Athletics announced that Coach Dunn had signed a one-year contract extension.[6]

In 2018, her role at Kentucky changed to special assistant to the head coach.[7]

On February 14, 2022, Dunn left her role at Kentucky to become Interim General Manager of the Indiana Fever. In explaining her decision, she stated, "I wouldn't come back to another franchise. This would be the only place that I would consider coming out of retirement for."[8][2]

Dunn was named the permanent General Manager of the Indiana Fever on January 20, 2023.

On October 4, 2024, Dunn moved to a senior advisor position.[9]

USA Basketball

[edit]

In 1990, Dunn was the assistant coach for the USA National team at the World Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team, behind the 22 point per game scoring of Teresa Edwards, won all eight contests, with only the win over Cuba decided by single digits. The USA team faced Yugoslavia in the gold medal game, and won 88–78.[10]

In 1995, Dunn served as the head coach to the R. William Jones Cup Team. The competition was held in Taipei, Taiwan. The USA team won its first six games, but four of the six were won by single-digit margins. Their seventh game was against Russia, and they fell 100–84. The final game was against South Korea, and a victory would assure the gold medal, but the South Korean team won 80–76 to win the gold medal. The USA team won the bronze medal.[11]

Head coaching record

[edit]

College

[edit]
Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Austin Peay Lady Governors (Ohio Valley Conference) (1970–1976)
Austin Peay: 67–55 (.549)
Ole Miss Rebels (Southeastern Conference) (1977–1978)
1977–78 Ole Miss 25–15 N/A AIAW State Tournament Champion
AIAW Region III Runner-up
AIAW National Tournament
Ole Miss: 25–15 (.625)
Miami Hurricanes (FAIAW) (1978–1982)
1978–79 Miami (FL) 10–13 N/A
1979–80 Miami (FL) 18–16 N/A
1980–81 Miami (FL) 24–15 N/A
1981–82 Miami (FL) 19–10 N/A
Miami Hurricanes (NCAA Division I independent) (1982–1987)
1982–83 Miami (FL) 14–13 N/A
1983–84 Miami (FL) 19–12 N/A
1984–85 Miami (FL) 21–7 N/A
1985–86 Miami (FL) 9–18 N/A
1986–87 Miami (FL) 15–15 N/A
Miami (FL): 149–119 (.556)
Purdue Boilermakers (Big Ten Conference) (1987–1996)
1987–88 Purdue 21–10 13–5 3rd NWIT Second Place
1988–89 Purdue 24–6 14–4 3rd NCAA Second Round (Bye)
1989–90 Purdue 23–7 14–4 3rd NCAA Sweet Sixteen
1990–91 Purdue 26–3 17–1 1st NCAA Second Round (Bye)
1991–92 Purdue 23–7 14–4 2nd NCAA Sweet Sixteen
1992–93 Purdue 16–11 8–10 6th
1993–94 Purdue 29–5 16–2 T-1st NCAA Final Four
1994–95 Purdue 24–8 13–3 T-1st NCAA Elite Eight
1995–96 Purdue 20–11 11–5 4th NCAA First Round
Purdue: 206–68 (.752)
Total: 447–257 (.635)

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

Professional

[edit]
Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
POR 1996–97 18 9 9 .500 4th in West
POR 1997–98 44 27 17 .614 1st in West 2 0 2 .000 Lost Western Conference Semi-Finals
POR 1998 13 9 4 .692 Season cancelled
SEA 2000 32 6 26 .188 8th in West
SEA 2001 32 10 22 .313 8th in West
SEA 2002 32 17 15 .531 4th in West 2 0 2 .000 Lost Western Conference Semi-Finals
IND 2008 34 17 17 .500 4th in East 3 1 2 .333 Lost Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
IND 2009 34 22 12 .647 1st in East 10 6 4 .600 Lost WNBA Finals
IND 2010 34 21 13 .618 3rd in East 3 1 2 .333 Lost Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
IND 2011 34 21 13 .618 1st in East 6 3 3 .500 Lost Eastern Conference Finals
IND 2012 34 22 12 .647 2nd in East 10 7 3 .700 Won WNBA Finals
IND 2013 34 16 18 .471 4th in East 4 2 2 .500 Lost Eastern Conference Finals
IND 2014 34 16 18 .471 2nd in East 5 3 2 .600 Lost Eastern Conference Finals
Career 409 213 196 .521 45 23 22 .511

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lin Dunn (born May 10, 1947) is an American basketball coach and executive renowned for her pioneering contributions to over more than five decades, including building programs at multiple colleges, leading professional teams to championships, and serving in key leadership roles that advanced equity and opportunities for female athletes. A trailblazer who began coaching before the passage of in 1972, Dunn amassed a 447–257 record (.635 winning percentage) across 25 seasons as a college head coach from 1970 to 1996, guiding teams to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, four Sweet 16s, three titles, and a Final Four in 1994 with . Her professional career featured an 181–160 record over 11 seasons in the American Basketball League (ABL) and (WNBA), highlighted by the 1998 ABL Coach of the Year award with the Columbus Quest and the 2012 WNBA Championship as head coach of the . Dunn also served as the Fever's general manager from 2008 to 2024, where she played a pivotal role in building a championship roster including stars like , before transitioning to senior advisor for Fever basketball operations in 2024. Inducted into the in 2014, she has been honored in multiple athletic halls of fame, including those at (1980), the (2003), , and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, for her impact on the sport's growth and her advocacy for women's athletics. Dunn's early career laid the foundation for her legacy, starting in 1970 at , where she founded the program amid limited resources and pre-Title IX challenges, compiling a winning record over five seasons. She then coached one season at the (Ole Miss) in 1977–78, achieving a 25–15 mark, before moving to the from 1978 to 1987, where she posted a 149–119 record and elevated the program to national prominence, including a No. 20 AP ranking in 1985. At Purdue from 1987 to 1996, Dunn's teams won 206–68 games (.752 ), earned three regular-season Big Ten titles (1991, 1994, 1995), and reached the NCAA in 1994, while developing three All-Americans and multiple conference players of the year. Beyond coaching, she served as president of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) in 1984–85 and as an assistant coach for the 1992 U.S. Olympic team that won bronze. In the professional ranks, Dunn broke new ground as the inaugural of the WNBA's from 2000 to 2002, posting a 25–43 record during the league's formative years, and later as an assistant with the from 2004 to 2007. Her return to the Fever as and in 2008 yielded immediate success, including a 22–12 record and Eastern Conference title in 2009 (runner-up for WNBA Coach of the Year) and the franchise's first championship in 2012 with another 22–12 season and a 5–2 playoff run. As , she oversaw 119–85 regular-season wins and strategic drafts that solidified the team's contention, contributing to the WNBA's expansion and visibility. In 2025, at age 78, Dunn continues influencing the sport as a senior advisor, mentoring emerging leaders and receiving the Fever's inaugural Inspiring Women Award for her barrier-breaking career.

Early life and education

Early years

Lin Dunn was born on May 10, 1947, in , though she spent her early childhood in . As the first-born child and first grandchild in her family, she was initially spoiled, but her upbringing instilled a strong sense of determination. Her father, a Marine and an SEC champion high hurdler at , encouraged athletic pursuits, fostering a family environment where Dunn learned she could achieve anything despite societal limitations. Growing up in the rural during the and , Dunn faced significant barriers to girls' in a pre-Title IX era, where opportunities were scarce and often legally restricted. In , interscholastic for girls was illegal, leaving no organized teams in elementary or junior high , and myths about women's physical limitations—such as excessive sweating causing fainting—further discouraged participation. Her family relocated to ahead of her junior year of high school specifically to access programs, allowing her to play for two years in a limited 6-on-6 half-court format that emphasized passing over . Dunn's initial exposure to basketball came through informal backyard play with her brother, where she honed self-taught skills and developed a fierce competitive spirit against constant "no's" from a male-dominated sports culture. These evening competitions, which included alongside other activities like and even pole vaulting, built her resilience and passion for the sport, as she observed and emulated professional players without formal coaching. The lack of structured programs only fueled her stubborn determination to pursue athletics, setting the stage for her future involvement in .

Academic background

Lin Dunn earned a in health, physical education, and English from the in 1969. She pursued and completed a in from the in Knoxville the following year. During her undergraduate years at UT Martin from 1965 to 1969, Dunn engaged actively in the campus athletic department under the guidance of instructor and women's Bettye Giles. Lacking formal varsity teams for women, she participated in , including , , and , which highlighted the era's limitations on women's competitive athletics. These experiences fueled her advocacy for expanded opportunities, as she challenged the prevailing views that deemed intercollegiate sports too strenuous for women, positioning her at the forefront of early pushes for gender equity in athletics. Giles later recalled Dunn's determination, noting, "Lin was at the forefront of that. She couldn’t understand it and didn’t think it was right." Dunn's academic training in physical education directly informed her initial career goals of teaching and coaching upon graduation, providing a foundation in sports pedagogy and administration that propelled her into roles advancing women's athletics. Her studies emphasized the value of structured physical activity for women, aligning with her aspirations to foster competitive environments beyond intramurals and contribute to the emerging field of women's sports governance.

Coaching career

College coaching

Lin Dunn began her college coaching career at in 1970, where she founded the program prior to the enactment of . Serving also as a instructor and cheerleader supervisor, she built the program from the ground up by raising funds for basic equipment like uniforms, achieving a 93–46 record over five seasons while contributing to the growth of women's athletics at the institution. In 1977, Dunn moved to the , where she coached for one season (1977–78) and compiled a 25–15 record, advancing program development and earning recognition as Mississippi Coach of the Year after leading the to a national ranking of 12th. Dunn's tenure at the from 1978 to 1987 spanned 10 seasons, during which she posted a 149–119 record and elevated the Hurricanes to national prominence. She focused on player development, becoming the first coach there to award scholarships to players, and guided the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including the program's first Top 20 ranking in 1985. From 1987 to 1996, Dunn served as head coach at , amassing a 206–68 record over nine seasons and establishing the Boilermakers as a powerhouse in . Her teams secured three titles, made seven NCAA Tournament berths, and reached the in 1994, highlighting her emphasis on disciplined training and strategic recruiting. Throughout her 25-year college career, Dunn compiled an overall record of 447–257, yielding a .635 winning percentage across four institutions, where she left , , and Purdue as the all-time winningest coach. As a pioneer, she advocated fiercely for equity in , implementing innovative recruiting tactics to attract talent and fostering comprehensive training regimens that prioritized skill-building and team cohesion during the era's expansion of opportunities for female athletes. Following her time at Purdue, Dunn transitioned to professional leagues.

Professional coaching

Lin Dunn transitioned to professional women's basketball coaching following her college tenure, serving as both head coach and general manager for the Portland Power in the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1996 to 1998. She assumed the head coaching role midway through the 1996–97 season, compiling a 9–9 record that year before guiding the team to a 27–17 mark and the Western Conference championship in 1997–98, a remarkable improvement from the league's worst record the prior season. Her leadership earned her the ABL Coach of the Year award in 1998, just before the league folded. Dunn continued in the professional ranks as the inaugural and of the WNBA's expansion from 2000 to 2002. Amid the league's growth, she focused on establishing the franchise's foundation, achieving a 33–63 regular-season record over three seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2002 after records of 6–26 in 2000 and 10–22 in 2001. She resigned from both positions in September 2002 to pursue other opportunities. She joined the Indiana Fever as an assistant coach from 2004 to 2007 before returning as head coach in 2008, where she served until her retirement at the end of the 2014 season, compiling a 112–71 regular-season record and leading the team to the in each of her seven years. Under her guidance, the Fever won their first WNBA championship in 2012, defeating the in a best-of-five series, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009 and 2011. Across her professional head coaching career spanning the ABL and WNBA, Dunn amassed an 181–160 record (.531 winning percentage). In her professional roles, Dunn adapted to the demands of league operations by managing rosters through drafts, trades, and free-agent signings while serving as , a dual responsibility that emphasized strategic player development and team composition over the more academic focus of college coaching. She also navigated heightened , leveraging her approachable style to build fan engagement in new markets like . After retiring from head coaching, Dunn joined the as an assistant coach from 2016 to 2022, contributing to program strategy before transitioning back to the WNBA. She served as interim of the in 2022, becoming permanent in 2023, and oversaw key draft selections including in 2023 and in 2024 to rebuild the roster. In October 2024, she moved to the role of senior advisor to Fever basketball operations, a position she holds as of 2025.

International involvement

USA Basketball roles

Lin Dunn's involvement with USA Basketball began in the early 1990s, stemming from her successful domestic coaching career at the collegiate level, which positioned her as a qualified candidate for national team roles. She served eight years on the Team Selection Committee, contributing to the identification and development of talent during a pivotal era for women's international competition. In 1990, Dunn joined the coaching staff as an assistant for the USA women's national team at the FIBA World Championship held in , . The team secured the gold medal, defeating 88–78 in the final, with Dunn helping to implement strategies that leveraged the squad's depth and athleticism. That same year, Dunn served on the coaching staff for the USA team at the in Seattle, Washington, where the team won gold. Dunn returned as an assistant coach for the Olympic team in , , led by head coach . The selection process, in which Dunn participated as a committee member, focused on assembling the 12 best players by blending veteran leaders with emerging talents who could adapt to specific roles, emphasizing versatility amid growing global competition. Team dynamics were marked by players' willingness to embrace assigned responsibilities, fostering cohesion despite challenges like integrating professionals and amateurs; the squad ultimately earned a after a semifinal loss to the Unified Team. In 1995, Dunn took on her first head coaching assignment with , leading the team at the R. William Jones Cup in , , with assistants Amy Ruley and Trudi Lacey. Preparation involved assembling a roster of collegiate and post-collegiate players for intensive training to build chemistry and tactical execution against international opponents. The team won its first six games—four by single digits—before falling to in the game, highlighting competitive depth but underscoring the need for refined closing strategies.

International achievements

As assistant coach for the USA women's national team at the in , , Lin Dunn contributed to an undefeated 8-0 run that secured the gold medal, marking the ' fifth world title. The team dominated preliminary rounds with decisive victories, culminating in an 88-78 final win over , where standout performances included Teresa Edwards averaging 21.3 points per game and contributing 13.8 points per game, showcasing the squad's depth and execution under the coaching staff's guidance. In the in , Dunn's contributions as part of the coaching staff helped the team secure gold, further solidifying her impact on international competition. In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Dunn served as assistant coach for the team, which earned bronze amid intensified global competition following the inclusion of professional players from other nations, including the dominant Unified Team (former Soviet states) that claimed gold. The Americans faced challenges from taller and more athletic international opponents, requiring strategic adjustments in player roles and adaptability; Dunn emphasized blending veteran experience with emerging talent to navigate these hurdles, helping secure after a semifinal loss. Dunn took the helm as head coach for the 1995 R. William Jones Cup in , , leading the to a in the annual invitational featuring top international teams. Standout moments included competitive wins in early matches that highlighted the team's resilience, though a late loss prevented a higher finish; the event underscored Dunn's ability to integrate collegiate talent effectively against diverse opponents. Dunn's international coaching roles during the played a pivotal role in elevating USA women's basketball on the global stage, coinciding with the sport's rising prominence through increased professionalism and competitive depth, as evidenced by the transition from gold in 1990 to bronze placements that spurred further development leading into the 1996 Olympic gold.

Awards and honors

Hall of Fame inductions

Lin Dunn has been inducted into several prestigious halls of fame, recognizing her pioneering contributions to women's basketball as a coach at both collegiate and professional levels. These honors highlight her impact from early program-building efforts to leading a WNBA championship team. In 1980, Dunn was inducted into the Austin Peay State University Athletic Hall of Fame for her foundational role in establishing modern women's athletics at the institution, where she began coaching in 1970 amid limited opportunities for women's sports. Dunn's , the , inducted her into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, honoring her distinguished coaching career that built on her undergraduate experiences in health and from the school in 1969. That same year, 2010, she was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating her roots as a native of and her statewide influence in advancing through innovative coaching and leadership. The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed Dunn in 2010, acknowledging her success as head coach of the , including guiding the team to the 2012 WNBA championship and multiple playoff appearances. In 2003, Dunn was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame for her tenure as head coach from 1978 to 1987, where she compiled a 215–119 record, led the Hurricanes to national prominence including a No. 20 AP ranking in 1985, and left as the program's all-time winningest coach. Dunn was inducted into the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012, recognizing her nine seasons (1987–1996) that produced a 206–58 record, three Big Ten titles, a 1994 NCAA appearance, and development of multiple All-Americans. Culminating her career accolades, Dunn was inducted into the in 2014, a recognition of her overall lifetime contributions to the sport, spanning over four decades of coaching that included NCAA tournament successes at Purdue and professional triumphs in the WNBA.

Coaching awards

During her tenure at Purdue University from 1987 to 1996, Lin Dunn was named Big Ten Coach of the Year twice, in 1989 and 1991, recognizing her leadership in securing three conference titles, including the program's first outright championship in 1991. Earlier in her college career, Dunn earned regional accolades, including Coach of the Year in 1981 while at the , where she built the program to a 24-15 season, and Coach of the Year in 1978 at the following a 25-15 record in the 1977–78 season. In professional , Dunn took over as of the American Basketball League's Portland Power mid-way through the 1996–97 season, leading the team to a 9–9 record in her 18 games and an overall 14–26 mark. The following season, she guided the Power to a 27–17 regular-season record, the Western Conference championship, and the ABL Finals before the league folded, earning ABL Coach of the Year honors in 1998. In the WNBA, Dunn finished as runner-up for Coach of the Year twice: first in 2002 with the , after leading the expansion team to a 16-16 record and its inaugural playoff appearance, and again in 2009 with the , where her strategic adjustments propelled the team to a 22-12 mark and the Eastern Conference finals. In 2016, Dunn received the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong commitment to advancing through coaching, leadership, and advocacy. On August 12, 2025, the honored Dunn with their inaugural Inspiring Women Award, recognizing her barrier-breaking career and ongoing influence as a senior advisor at age 78.

Head coaching record

College

Lin Dunn's college head coaching career spanned 25 seasons across four institutions, compiling an overall record of 447–257. Her records by school were (1970–1976): 67–55; (1977–1978): 25–15; (1978–1987): 149–119; and (1987–1996): 206–68, including a 125–35 mark in play. Detailed season-by-season statistics are available for her tenure at and Purdue. The table below lists those records.
SeasonSchoolOverall RecordConference RecordPostseason Results
1982-83 (FL)14–13N/ANone
1983-84 (FL)19–12N/ANone
1984-85 (FL)21–7N/ANone
1985-86 (FL)9–18N/ANone
1986-87 (FL)15–15N/ANone
1987-88Purdue21–1013–5None
1988-89Purdue24–615–3NCAA Tournament (Second Round)
1989-90Purdue23–714–4NCAA Tournament (Second Round)
1990-91Purdue26–316–2NCAA Tournament (); Big Ten Regular Season Champion
1991-92Purdue23–714–4NCAA Tournament (Second Round)
1992-93Purdue16–119–9None
1993-94Purdue29–517–1NCAA Tournament (); Big Ten Regular Season Champion
1994-95Purdue24–816–2NCAA Tournament (Sweet Sixteen); Big Ten Regular Season Champion
1995-96Purdue20–1111–5NCAA Tournament (Second Round)
Dunn's teams appeared in the NCAA Tournament 7 times, all during her Purdue tenure, including a Final Four appearance in 1994.

Professional

Lin Dunn's professional head coaching career in the American Basketball League (ABL) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) featured stints with three teams, where she emphasized defensive strategies and player development while also serving in general manager roles for the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever.
YearsTeamLeagueRegular SeasonPlayoffsNotes
1996–97Portland PowerABL9–9Took over as head coach mid-season, replacing Greg Bruce; team overall 14–26, no playoffs.
1997–98Portland PowerABL27–170–2Western Conference champions; lost ABL Championship Series; ABL Coach of the Year.
2000Seattle StormWNBA6–26Inaugural season as head coach and GM; no playoffs.
2001Seattle StormWNBA10–22No playoffs.
2002Seattle StormWNBA17–150–2First playoff appearance; lost Western Conference Semifinals.
2008Indiana FeverWNBA17–171–2First season as head coach; lost Eastern Conference Semifinals.
2009Indiana FeverWNBA22–126–4Eastern Conference champions; lost WNBA Finals.
2010Indiana FeverWNBA21–131–2Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals.
2011Indiana FeverWNBA21–133–3Lost Eastern Conference Finals.
2012Indiana FeverWNBA22–127–3WNBA champions; defeated Minnesota Lynx in Finals.
2013Indiana FeverWNBA16–182–2Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals.
2014Indiana FeverWNBA16–183–2Final season as head coach before retirement; lost Eastern Conference Finals.
Career Totals (Head Coaching):
  • Regular Season: 204–192 (.515 winning percentage) across ABL and WNBA.
  • Playoffs: 23–22 (.511 winning percentage).

References

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