In a shocking move that has sent ripples through the WNBA, the Indiana Fever have fired head coach Christie Sides after just two seasons at the helm. The decision comes on the heels of a promising 2024 campaign that saw the Fever return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, led by the dynamic duo of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Sides, who took over the Fever in 2023, guided the team to a 20-20 record this season, navigating a challenging start that saw Indiana go 2-9 in their first 11 games. However, the Fever found their footing in the second half of the season, boasting the league’s best offense after the Olympic break and securing a playoff berth.
A Franchise in Transition
The Fever’s decision to part ways with Sides is the latest in a series of high-profile coaching changes across the WNBA this offseason. With Sides’ departure, six of the league’s 12 teams from the 2024 season are now without a head coach, marking an unprecedented level of turnover.
The move also comes amidst significant changes in the Fever’s front office. Kelly Krauskopf, who served as the team’s president from 2000 to 2018, has returned to the role after a stint with the Indiana Pacers. Additionally, Amber Cox, formerly the COO of the Dallas Wings, has been hired as the Fever’s new general manager.
Maximizing the Potential of Clark and Boston
As the Fever embark on their search for a new head coach, the primary focus will be on finding a leader who can maximize the immense potential of their young stars, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, took the league by storm with her electrifying play, while Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, continued to develop into a dominant force in the paint.
The expectations are huge going forward for Sides’ successor. The Fever were most successful when playing at the fast pace in which Clark is most comfortable.
– Michael Voepel, ESPN
The new coach will also need to navigate the potential free agency of Kelsey Mitchell, another key piece of the Fever’s core. Retaining Mitchell and building around the talented trio of Clark, Boston, and Mitchell will be crucial to the team’s future success.
The Importance of Stability
While the increased resources and attention on the WNBA have led to greater urgency for teams to succeed, the rapid cycling of coaches may not be the answer. As franchises invest more in facilities, travel, and talent, there is a fine line between prioritizing winning and establishing the stability necessary to build a lasting contender.
For the Fever, who haven’t had a coach last longer than three seasons since Lin Dunn’s tenure from 2008 to 2014, finding the right leader to guide the team through this crucial juncture will be paramount. With the right coach at the helm, Indiana has the potential to become a perennial force in the WNBA, led by the star power of Clark and Boston.
A League in Flux
As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, the unprecedented level of coaching changes this offseason reflects the high stakes and increasing pressure to win. While the Fever’s decision to move on from Sides may have caught some by surprise, it underscores the urgency with which teams are approaching their future success.
The 2025 WNBA season promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with new coaches at the helm of half the league’s teams and a wealth of young talent ready to take the next step. For the Indiana Fever, the search for their next head coach will be a critical decision that could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
