The Indiana Fever made the decision to relieve Christie Sides of her coaching duties on Sunday, resulting in six WNBA teams from the 2024 season now without a head coach. The league has been under increased scrutiny this year, garnering more attention than ever before.
During her tenure, Sides led the Fever to a 20-20 record as they made a playoff appearance for the first time since 2016, thanks to the standout performances of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the past two Rookie of the Year recipients. With Kelly Krauskopf back as Fever president and Amber Cox joining as general manager, the team is undergoing a coaching change after Sides served for two seasons.
Following Sides’ departure, several coaching changes have occurred in the league, most notably with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and Washington Mystics making significant moves.
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Four teams that missed the playoffs and are in the Nov. 17 draft lottery are now in search of a new head coach. When the 2025 season commences, there will be at least six new head coaches in the league for the first time since its inception, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
In addition, the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team, named Natalie Nakase as their inaugural head coach on Oct. 10.
With several coaching positions open, the league is buzzing with speculation about potential candidates and the impact of these changes. Experts at ESPN are closely analyzing the WNBA coaching carousel.
Was this coaching move unexpected? How was Sides’ performance evaluated?
Philippou reflected that although the start of the season was turbulent, Sides managed to guide the Fever to the playoffs, showcasing a strong offense post-Olympic break. The decision to part ways with Sides seems to focus more on future prospects with established talent like Clark, Boston, and potentially Mitchell.
The hiring of Krauskopf and Cox indicated a shift in leadership that influenced the coaching change, setting an optimistic tone for the team’s future.
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What’s the top priority for the new coach in Indiana?
Voepel emphasized the importance of tuning out external noise and focusing on the team’s talent and chemistry, a strategy that helped the Fever improve their performance throughout the season. The new coach inherits a team with promising players like Clark, Boston, and potentially Mitchell, offering a solid foundation for future success.
Why is this coaching hire critical for the Fever?
Pelton highlighted the historical significance of second coaches in maximizing the potential of star players. Analyzing past MVP winners and championship successes, the hiring of the new coach will play a crucial role in determining the trajectory of the Fever, especially given the talent of Clark and Boston.
The selection of the right coach could set the team on a path towards a championship, reminiscent of successful coaching changes in WNBA history.
Why has there been a surge in coaching changes this offseason in the WNBA?
Pelton and Philippou discussed how increased resources and attention on the WNBA have contributed to the coaching shake-ups. While there is a focus on winning and success, the rapid turnover of coaches raises questions about the balance between achieving immediate results and fostering long-term stability and growth within franchises.
