Indiana Fever have parted ways with head coach Christie Sides, with the decision coming shortly after Caitlin Clark’s standout rookie season.
Caitlin Clark’s candid revelation from four months ago hinted at the dismissal of Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides. The WNBA team has parted ways with Sides after a 20-20 season and an early playoff departure.
Sides leaves with a 33-47 record over two seasons, a tenure significantly improved by No. 1 draft pick Clark’s impressive rookie year. The 22-year-old star is set to start her second WNBA season under new management, seemingly in search of more in-game direction than she received from Sides.
Clark appeared to cast doubt on the 47-year-old coach’s effectiveness with a telling eight-word statement back in June. When asked about the most valuable advice she’s gotten during games, her response was unexpected: “Nobody gives me advice in game. I wish.”
This comment sparked skepticism among fans at the time, with many calling for Sides’ dismissal. Despite the change, Fever president of basketball operations Kelly Krauskopf expressed that letting Sides go was not easy.
“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 also imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which include maximising 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.”
Despite the late-season surge that secured the Fever a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, their postseason hopes were dashed by a modest effort, culminating in a rapid dismissal at the hands of Connecticut Sun. A talented young roster awaits the new coach, anchored by All-WNBA point guard Clark and rising star Aliyah Boston.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Stephanie White, the current head coach of the Sun, is the favorite to get the Fever job. White’s contract in Connecticut runs until next year.
