Sun hire Belgian women's national coach Meziane

The Connecticut Sun hired Rachid Meziane, the head coach of the Belgian women's national team and French club Villeneuve-d'Ascq, for their coaching vacancy, the team announced Wednesday.

"I am honored to represent a franchise like the Connecticut Sun, a team and organization with a rich history and a passionate fan base," Meziane said. "I look forward to working with our talented roster and assembling a dedicated coaching staff as we continue to build upon the Sun's legacy and strive for a championship."

Rachid had coached Villeneuve-d'Ascq since 2019. The club finished as the EuroLeague runner-up in the 2023-24 season, leading the league in points (86) and rebounds (36.2) per game and ranking second in assists (20.9).

The French coach took over the Belgian program in 2022, guiding the Cats to a gold medal at the FIBA women's EuroBasket in 2023 and an improbable fourth-place result at the 2024 Olympics.

"(Rachid) brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a proven track record of success that will help elevate our players and team as a whole," said Sun general manager Morgan Tuck. "Rachid's dedication and commitment to growing women's basketball, internationally and domestically, brings a unique perspective both on and off the court that aligns with the values and vision of our organization."

Rachid also served as an assistant coach with the French women's national team from 2014-21, winning four silver medals at EuroBasket and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The Sun finished the 2024 regular season with a 28-12 record before losing to the Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals. In October, the club fired head coach Stephanie White, who the Indiana Fever hired in November.

With Meziane's hiring, the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics are the only WNBA teams with head coaching vacancies.