Caitlin Clark's return to Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena for a preseason game should have been the main storyline. The Indiana Fever faced off against the Brazilian national team, resulting in a resounding 108-44 victory. The game marked Clark's first appearance in her old stomping grounds since leaving the Iowa Hawkeyes and joining the WNBA as the number one draft pick. However, the celebratory atmosphere was somewhat overshadowed by a significant development within the Fever organization: the departure of head coach Christie Sides.
The Indiana Fever announced on October 27, 2024, that they had parted ways with Sides after two seasons. This decision came despite Sides leading the team to a 20-20 record in the recent season and securing their first playoff appearance since 2016. While the Fever were ultimately swept in the first round by the Connecticut Sun, the progress made under Sides was undeniable, particularly with the development of young stars like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, who have consecutively won WNBA Rookie of the Year awards.
Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf acknowledged Sides' contributions, stating, "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." However, Krauskopf emphasized the organization's commitment to "maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana," suggesting that a change in leadership was deemed necessary to achieve these ambitious goals.
Christie Sides' tenure with the Fever saw a 33-47 regular-season record. She also became the first coach in franchise history to be named WNBA Coach of the Month in August 2024. Before joining the Fever as head coach in November 2022, Sides had an extensive career as an assistant coach in the WNBA, with stints at the Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever, and Atlanta Dream. She also held assistant coaching positions at the collegiate level, including Louisiana Tech and LSU, where she was part of three Final Four appearances.
The timing of the coaching change is notable, coinciding with the significant buzz surrounding Caitlin Clark and her potential to transform the Indiana Fever into a WNBA powerhouse. The Fever have brought in a revamped coaching staff led by former Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White. As the new staff raises the bar ahead of the 2025 WNBA season, it is expecting a new Caitlin Clark as well. Clark herself has embraced the changes, acknowledging the need to improve her defense under the guidance of new assistant coach Briann January. With more help around Clark in 2025, January made no excuses for the things the offensive supernova used to get away with on the other end of the floor.
The Indiana Fever's decision to part ways with Christie Sides reflects the high expectations and pressure that come with having a generational talent like Caitlin Clark on the roster. While Clark's return to Iowa should have been the focal point, the coaching change underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to building a championship-caliber team around her. The upcoming season will undoubtedly be a crucial test for the Fever as they navigate this new era with a new coach and a re-energized roster.
