Minneapolis, MN (My Sportsbook) - The Minnesota Lynx announced the resignation of head coach Don Zierden on Wednesday and named assistant coach Jennifer Gillom as his replacement.

Zierden stepped down to join the Washington Wizards staff under new head coach Flip Saunders. This will be Zierden's third time working with Saunders. Prior to joining the Lynx, Zierden spent time with the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. In his two seasons with the Lynx, Zierden compiled a 26-42 record.

Gillom joined the Lynx as an assistant under Zierden in 2008 and was responsible for assisting the team's scouting efforts, talent evaluation, and player development. Previously she compiled a 120-25 record as the head women's basketball coach at Xavier College Preparatory, a private high school in Phoenix. Gillom becomes the sixth head coach in franchise history.

"While we're disappointed to see Don leave, we're very excited about the future of this team with Jen Gillom at the helm," said Lynx executive vice president Roger Griffith. "Jen is one of the greatest players in the history of women's basketball and brings 17 years of experience, both as a player and coach. She's learned from some of the all-time greatest coaches in the women's game, and we're confident that she will be a great leader."

Gillom enjoyed success as a player for seven seasons in the WNBA, ending with career averages of 13.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game after six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury and one with the Los Angeles Sparks. Named the 1985 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, Gillom earned six gold medals in international competition, including a gold at the 1988 Olympics. She will be one of six inductees into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on June 13, 2009, her 45th birthday.

The Lynx are scheduled to open their 2009 season on Saturday against Chicago.