Originally published Monday, September 14, 2009 at 12:37 PM

Storm signs Brian Agler for at least two more years

Deal with Seattle's coach and director of player personnel is good through 2011 season, with an option for 2012

Seattle Times staff reporter

The Storm signed coach Brian Agler to a contract through the 2011 season with an option to pick up a third year.

Agler, who is also the team's director of player personnel, was the first coach hired by the independent ownership, Force 10 Hoops, in January 2008. He led the team to a franchise-best 22 wins last season and a 20-14 record this year.

But Agler wasn't successful in the playoffs in 2008, continuing the Storm's string of four straight first-round defeats. Seattle, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, begins the playoffs Wednesday at Los Angeles, the No. 3 team in the West. Game 2 will be Friday in Seattle and Game 3, if necessary, will be Sunday in Seattle.

"There are a lot of positives to returning to Seattle, but what I've enjoyed most are the players I get to work with every day," Agler said. "Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird have been a pleasure, but at the same time, I really like how our other players have developed, like Tanisha Wright and Camille Little. They're really starting to make a name for themselves."

The Storm's offseason will include plans to retain Jackson and find a new practice facility. The current facility will become part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Jackson signed a one-year deal for this season, meaning the Storm can't negotiate with her until the free-agency period begins next year. But the two-time MVP has said she doesn't plan to test the market like she did before this season, returning to the team that drafted her No. 1 overall in 2001.

"Clearly we have our franchise tag that we'll use," said Storm CEO Karen Bryant, who signed Sue Bird to a contract extension last week. "And [Jackson] will very quickly, publicly reiterate her commitment to continue her career in Seattle."

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com

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