Washington, DC (Sports Network) - The Washington Mystics named Mike Thibault head coach and general manager on Tuesday.

Fired by the Connecticut Sun last month, Thibault replaces Trudi Lacey after she did not have her contract renewed.

"Mike Thibault has an exemplary track record in building and coaching successful teams," said Washington president and managing partner Sheila C. Johnson. "We are excited about him coming on board, and based on his experience and sustainable tenure in the WNBA, we are confident that he will establish a new era in Mystics basketball."

Thibault had been the only coach in the Sun's history, taking over in 2003 when the franchise relocated from Orlando. He had a record of 206-134 in 10 seasons with eight playoff appearances and was the league's top coach for 2006 and 2008.

"I am extremely excited to be asked to lead the Washington Mystics into a new era that I believe will be extremely successful on and off the court," said Thibault, who guided the Sun to the WNBA Finals in 2004 and 2005.

The Mystics lost their final 13 games to finish with a league-worst 5-29 record last season.

The Sports Network