Indiana Fever on Sunday disclosed that the side had parted ways with the coach, Christie Sides; the announcement was released on Sunday. The sacking now makes the team join a list of teams in the WNBA to sack their coach.
The Fever, led by 2024 No. 1 pick and rookie of the year Caitlin Clark, are coming off the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2016.
Under the now-former coach who spent two years with the team, Fever went 33-47, including a 20-20 record in 2024. they ended the season with a two-game left in the first round of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun.
In the past years, Sides has confirmed the appointment of Marianne Stanley and her interim successor, Carlos Knox, after 2022 replaced the interim manager who was appointed after the sack.
Indiana started the 2024 season with a 1-8 record in May, going up against what ESPN Analytics considered the toughest timetable in the WNBA preparatory to the Olympic break. The Fever ultimately figured out a uniqueness covering their new franchise composition in Clark and, from June 1 to Sept. 10, boasted the third-best record in the league at 18-9. Their offensive rating (109.6 points per 100 possessions) was the best in the league after the Olympic break.
The statement from then noted that they were incredibly thankful to Coach Sides who took up the challenge of leading the team through a transition period which was integral for the development of the team over the last two seasons. The statement further appreciated her for taken them to a level which has now kept the team in a netter position for the future growth.Fever president of basketball operations Kelly Krauskopf noted that the decision was a tough one to take, but they had to stand by its values and stay true to the goals of the team to ensure the maximization of talents and keep fighting that the team will further win another NBA back to Indiana. The management further noted that Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future.
Earlier this month, Krauskopf, a former Indiana Pacers executive who announced she was replacing the Fever after a lengthy career with the franchise, seemed to give a vote of confidence in Sides.
While taking up the role, Krauskopf said at her introductory news conference that it took a long time for the teams that I’ve had to join and get together. It was emphasised that it takes many years to explore and does not happen in months, but a few years will improve things. Krauskopf further stated that they were impressed with the progress that they made and how Christie is a resilient leader; it was further explained that “I know just that she’s got that kind of, you know, stamina to stick to it and stick to her plan, and she’s a good person, and she’s a great leader. I was impressed with the way they finished.”
Indiana now occupies the sixth WNBA team with a head coach opening, with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and Washington Mystics. Six of the bottom seven teams in the standings are also looking for a new coach.
