Swish Appeal has learned that assistant coach Wayne Stehlik, long-time assistant and friend to former head coach Nolan Richardson, has been released from his duties from the Tulsa Shock. Stehlik traveled to Phoenix for Sunday's 102-63 loss to the Mercury. He then traveled with the team to Chicago, where the Shock and Sky meet tomorrow evening. Stehlik, however, will not be on the bench at Allstate Arena, as he returned to Tulsa on Tuesday after his release from the team.
According to sources, interim head coach Teresa Edwards expressed interest in hiring Jennifer Gillom to her staff but was strongly advised against the potential addition. Gillom, who was the head coach of the LA Sparks, was let go from her head coaching position on Sunday in favor of Joe "Jellybean" Bryant's return to the helm of the Sparks. Gillom's departure was attributed in part to the urgency of winning games early in the season, according to general manager Penny Toler. The Sparks were 4-6 at the time of the coaching change, with Bryant's first game back coming tonight at San Antonio.
Gillom and Edwards played together in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where the United States earned a gold medal. Along with sharing the court for the US, the two played against each other in college, both as members of the SEC. In fact, Gillom (Mississippi) and Edwards (Georgia) were both Kodak all-Americans in 1986.
At this point it appears Edwards might be alone on the bench for the immediate future, at the very least. Coaching solo is sure to be a hindrance to the new leader of the Shock entering her second contest as the bench general of the reeling team.
More updates will be provided as they become available.