Sparks name Carol Ross head coach

Jan 6, 2012 - 2:57 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Sparks have hired Carol Ross to replace Joe "Jellybean" Bryant as head coach.

The announcement was made Thursday, with Ross bringing more than 25 years of coaching experience to the job. She was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Dream the past three seasons.

"Carol is a proven winner with an incredible track record at both the collegiate and pro levels," said Sparks vice president and general manager Penny Toller.

"She has groomed many women for great WNBA careers. We're confident Carol is the ideal coach to lead the Sparks to our next championship."

Terms of Ross' contract were not released. Bryant, the father of Lakers star Kobe Bryant, was promoted to head coach in July but not kept on at the position.