Struggling Monarchs fire coach Jenny Boucek; replace her with GM John Whisenant

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Monarchs have fired coach Jenny Boucek, replacing her with general manager John Whisenant.

The move was made Sunday, a day after the team fell to 3-10 following a 107-105 to the Phoenix Mercury. Whisenant, who already worked three-plus seasons as coach and won a WNBA title in 2005, will continue to serve in both capacities.

Whisenant, in his sixth season as GM, says he believes Sacramento is a playoff-caliber team and that a change was needed. He stopped coaching the team after the 2006 season to concentrate on being GM. The Monarchs reached the Western Conference finals four times under Whisenant, including the WNBA Finals in 2005 and ‘06.

Boucek took over as coach on Nov. 15, 2006, and went 40-41.