Following the franchise’s first WNBA playoff appearance since 2016 and a remarkable Rookie of the Year season by Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever announced early Sunday that they have parted ways with former head coach Christie Sides.
Sides, who had been the head coach of the Fever over the past two seasons, finishes with a 33-47 regular-season record, including a 20-20 season in 2024.
While the Fever qualified for the WBNA playoffs for the first time in eight years, they suffered a first-round sweep in two games by the Connecticut Sun.
Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf announced the move on Sunday.
“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.
“While decisions like these are never easy, it is also 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,” Krauskopf said in a statement.
Sides was hired following the 2022 season to replace Marianne Stanley and her interim successor, Carlos Knox. Sides had two years remaining on her four-year contract as coach.
The news adds to the list of coaches who have not lasted longer than three seasons since Lin Dunn held the position for six seasons from 2008 to 2014.
The latest Fever campaign saw several ups and downs, beginning with a 1-9 record to start the season, but rebounded with an 18-9 stretch between June 1 and Sept. 10.
The Fever, aided by the offensive talent of Caitlin Clark and Co., also held the league’s best offensive rating (109.6 points per 100 possessions) following the Olympic break.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The Fever, aiming to return to the WNBA playoffs in 2025, will return Clark along with 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston and hope to re-sign All-Star Kelsey Mitchell in free agency.
For Clark, this will be the first time she will endure a coaching change, as she spent her four seasons at Iowa under the tutelage of head coach Lisa Bluder. As Clark enters her sophomore WNBA season, it will be interesting to watch how a new coach will utilize her talents.
Clark finished her rookie season averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 41.7% from the field, 34.4% from 3-point distance and 90.6% from the free throw line.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.
Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
