Three more WNBA teams have recently parted ways with their head coaches, leaving over half of the league’s 12 teams without a sideline leader.
Last week, the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever announced the departure of their head coaches Stephanie White and Christie Sides, respectively. This news follows the Washington Mystics letting go of both head coach Eric Thibault and head coach-turned-GM Mike Thibault just a week earlier.
White’s Success with the Sun
In her tenure at Connecticut, White guided the Sun to two consecutive WNBA semifinals, ultimately falling to New York in 2023 and Minnesota in 2024.
Having been named the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year, White leaves Connecticut with an impressive 55-25 regular-season record and is rumored to be a top candidate for the vacant head coach position at Indiana.
If she joins the Fever, it would be a homecoming for White, as she previously played for the team from 2000 to 2004 and later served as an assistant coach before leading the team in 2015 and 2016.
Sides’ Impact on the Fever
During her time as head coach, Sides led the Fever to a 33-47 record, including a remarkable 20-20 record in the most recent season.
Despite a slow start, Indiana rallied and reached the playoffs in 2024, marking the team’s first postseason appearance since 2016. Fever President Kelly Krauskopf, who praised Sides earlier, emphasized the team’s goal of winning another WNBA championship.
Sides acknowledged her departure with a simple X post, signifying leaving things better than how she found them. With new leadership in place for the 2025 season, Indiana is undergoing significant changes.
End of an Era for the Mystics
With the Thibault father-son coaching duo no longer at the helm, the Washington Mystics are entering the 2025 season without a Thibault leading the team for the first time since 2012.
After a 0-12 start this year, Eric Thibault’s second season as head coach, the Mystics finished below the playoffs cutoff. Prior to Eric, Mike Thibault had a successful tenure with Washington, reaching eight postseasons and securing a championship.
Mystics President Michael Winger praised Coach Mike’s contributions, highlighting his impact on the franchise’s culture and success.
Recent Head Coach Changes Across the WNBA
Seven out of the 12 WNBA teams have made coaching changes, with the LA Sparks, Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, and Dallas Wings also parting ways with their head coaches, in addition to the aforementioned teams.
Personnel shifts extend beyond coaching, with Las Vegas Aces and Dallas Wings also making changes in their front office. Only a few teams have maintained continuity in their leadership from the previous season.
