What to Know About Storm’s Assistant Coach Hire
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The Seattle Storm reportedly hired Maine Celtics general manager Jarell Christian as an assistant coach. Here’s a look at his experience in the NBA and college ranks on his way to landing with the Storm. Credit: Jarell Christian/Instagram [/caption]
It’s only December, but new Seattle Storm head coach Sonia Raman is beginning to assemble her coaching staff for the 2026 season.
The Storm and Raman hired Jarell Christian, the current general manager of the NBA G League’s Maine Celtics, as an assistant coach, per HoopHype’s Michael Scotto.
Christian is the first reported addition to the Storm’s new coaching staff after they moved on from Noelle Quinn following the 2025 campaign. The team announced the hiring of Raman in late October.
Here’s what you should know about Christian and his coaching career.
Jarell Christian's coaching history
Christian played college basketball at Emory & Henry University before graduating in 2009. He coached at three different colleges as an assistant, including his alma mater, from 2009-14.
It didn’t take long for Christian to land his first G League opportunity. The Oklahoma City Blue hired Christian as an assistant coach in 2014, and he was there until 2018. Christian worked alongside current Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, who was also with the Blue from 2014-19.
When the Washington Wizards launched their G League team, the Capital City Go-Go, the franchise hired Christian as the team’s head coach. It took just one season for him to be promoted to an assistant coach role with the Wizards in the NBA.
After three seasons with the Wizards, Christian accepted a role as the head coach of the Maine Celtics in 2021. The next year, Christian was promoted to general manager of the G League team while also serving as a player development coach for the Boston Celtics.
What it means for Storm
Christian’s extensive resume is good news for a Seattle staff that is being rebuilt from scratch. Raman is hailed for her focus on analytics and player relationships, and Christian specializes in player development.
Development will be key for a Storm team that is expected to be especially young in 2026. Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft, is coming off a stellar first year in the WNBA. Seattle also has two first-round picks, one of which is the No. 3 overall selection.
With that combination, plus a host of other rising players, the Storm are going to need as much player development help as possible. Christian fits that mold for the franchise.
There’s a lot still up in the air for the 2026 season, primarily with the CBA and whether the season will even begin on time. But it’s never too early for Raman to start assembling her future staff as the Storm head toward a complete reset next season.
