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The Indiana Fever are parting ways with head coach Christie Sides.
The Fever have come on leaps and bounds in the past two seasons under Sides’ watch, largely due to the huge impact of 2024 No.1 overall pick Caitlin Clark.
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Sides went 33-47 in her two seasons with the team, and went 20-20 this season as she steered the Fever to the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
However, Clark and the Fever were bounced out of the WNBA postseason in the first round against the Connecticut Sun. Now, the organization has taken the bold decision to part ways with their head coach in a bid to go all the way next season.
A press release from new Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf read: “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.”
The news was met with a mixed reaction online. Some praised the Fever for showing ambition while others suggested it was a harsh decision.
“The fever are actually getting serious about winning for Caitlin ! Let’s go!” one fan said.
“Caitlin Clark is finally free,” added another.
“WTH????? I didn’t like Sides at the beginning but she did get better at the end of the season!! Wow!!”
Indiana is the sixth team to make a coaching change this offseason, joining Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington and Los Angeles.
Sides was a long time assistant in the league, spending time with Chicago (2011-16), the Fever (2017-19) and Atlanta (2022) before getting the head coaching job.
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Sides found herself under pressure during the early part of last season when the Fever lost eight of their first nine games.
However, they rallied in the second half of the season, largely thanks to Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, winning seven of their eight games after the Olympics break to get themselves into playoff contention.
Indiana’s front office has already undergone significant change since the season ended, with Kelly Krauskopf returning as president of basketball operations and Amber Cox coming on as general manager.
The Fever are one of the most exciting young teams in the W, spearheaded by the last two Rookie of the Years, Clark and Boston.
Clark had an unprecedented impact on the league in her debut season, smashing numerous records en route to being named Rookie of the Year.
The ‘Steph Curry of women’s basketball’ led the league in assists, setting regular-season WNBA records for assists in a season (337), while also setting the record for points scored or assisted on in a season (1,520), points by a rookie (769) and 3-point field goals by a rookie (122).
In her first year, including the playoffs, Clark scored 805 points, recorded 354 assists and pulled down 237 rebounds in 42 games.
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That averages out at 19.2 points per game, 8.4 assists per game and 5.7 rebounds per game.
The 22-year-old swiftly became one of the most marketable athletes in the US along with rival Angel Reese.
Together, they have taken the WNBA to dizzying new heights, having an unprecedented impact on ticket and merchandise sales, TV viewership, social media engagement and home attendances.
Next season, Clark will have a new head coach in the hot-seat as she aims to win her first WNBA championship.