The WNBA offseason saw seven of the leagues thirteen teams move on from their head coaches after the New York Libertys championship season, its first title in franchise history. The surge in staff changes directly impacted the league’s Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, as hoop fans wonder who could be the next leader responsible for unlocking her full potential.
The Indiana Fever are looking for a coach to help maximize Clark’s potential after firing Christie Sides on Sunday. All signs point to Stephanie White as the frontrunner for the position, who was dismissed by the Connecticut Sun just before Halloween. White built a reputation for nurturing young talent and could be a key piece for the Fever as they look to improve with Clark. She won the WNBA Coach of the Year award in 2023 and a championship as an assistant with the Fever in 2012.
It also helps that the Fever guard praised the ex-Sun coach in the press last May during the first game of her WNBA career. Clark scored 20 points in the game as the Fever were dismantled 92-71. “Shes obviously called a lot of my games all throughout college. I just think she has a really great basketball mind, I think shes done a great job of calling college games. Its been great seeing her on NBA games,” said Clark.
“I think what shes done is just… shes obviously been a trailblazer, honestly. I think shes always been somebody supportive of my game. Its been fun to talk to her at shootarounds throughout my college career, and [Ive] always been really supportive.”
Whites possible return to Indiana would be her second stint with the team after she acted as head coach from 2014 to 2016, leading the team to the WNBA Finals in 2015. She would lose to the Minnesota Lynx, coached by Cheryl Reave, who still coaches the team today.
With Indiana eager to capitalize on Clarks talent and build a winning culture, Whites experience and familiarity with the organization could make her an ideal fit. Let’s look at three candidates primed to get the job done.
Stephanie White
White brings a compelling case for the job as a former standout at Purdue, where she played college basketball in Indiana wearing the same No. 22 as Clark. White has already led the Fever to a championship game, has Clarks endorsement, and valuable cap space available to reshape the roster toward a championship, this time as head coach.
Karima Christmas-Kelly
Karima Christmas-Kelly served as an assistant coach for the Fever last season, following a path similar to that of White, who held the role from 2011 to 2014. Christmas-Kelly also played for the Fever from 2012 to 2014 and was on the roster when White was an assistant during the teams 2012 championship-winning season.
Her playing career ended early due to a season-ending Achilles injury in 2018, positioning her as a younger coaching candidate with a strong understanding of the modern game, akin to JJ Redicks transition to coaching the Lakers. Promoting Christmas-Kelly to an interim head coach position could provide her invaluable experience as the Fever evaluates their long-term coaching plans.
Cheryl Miller
Cheryl Miller stepped away from coaching after the 2020 season, ending a successful tenure with the Phoenix Mercury, where she led the team to four consecutive playoff appearances. Citing fatigue, Miller took time off but has made occasional coaching appearances in All-Star games.
Although she might take a long time to return to a full-time coaching role, Millers pedigree, accolades, and deep basketball IQ position her as an ideal mentor for young stars like Clark and Aaliyah Boston. As one of the greatest players in basketball history, Miller has the experience and insight to guide Indianas promising core, potentially transforming the Fever into serious contenders.
Leave a Reply