The Indiana Fever are making a significant coaching change following Caitlin Clark’s impressive rookie season. The team announced on Sunday morning that they have parted ways with head coach Christie Sides, who guided the Fever to their first playoff appearance in years during the 2024 season. Sides, who took the helm in 2023, had a challenging start with a 13-27 record in her first year but showed substantial improvement in her second season, finishing with an even 20-20.
Despite the team’s progress, fans and analysts questioned some of her lineup rotations and in-game decisions, particularly in managing Clark’s standout rookie season.
With Clark poised to take her game to a superstar level, the Fever’s management decided it was time for new leadership.
In a statement, Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf expressed gratitude for Sides’ contributions. “We are incredibly thankful to Coach Sides for embracing the challenge of leading us through an integral transition period over the last two seasons, while also positioning us well for future growth,” Krauskopf said. “While decisions like these are never easy, it is imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which includes maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana. Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future.”
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As the Fever turn their attention to finding a replacement, they have been linked to former Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White, who is reportedly a top candidate for the job.
White, who previously served as the Fever’s head coach from 2015 to 2016, recently completed two strong seasons with the Sun, leading the team to back-to-back winning records and a 55-25 overall record.
With her contract with Connecticut now expired, White could theoretically return to the Sun, but sources suggest that the Fever are prepared to make a compelling offer to bring her back to Indiana.
White’s experience and proven record of success have made her an attractive option, especially as the Fever aim to build on Clark’s growth and contend for a championship.
This coaching decision underscores Indiana’s commitment to capitalizing on Clark’s star potential. The Fever’s young core, energized by Clark’s rookie-year success, now looks to enter a new phase with a seasoned coach who can help them contend at the highest level.
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