In a move that has left fans scratching their heads (and maybe even chuckling a bit), the Indiana Fever decided to part ways with coach Christie Sides just after the team finally decided to remember what winning felt like. Yes, you heard that right—after the Fever clawed their way to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Sides is out. Talk about bad timing!
After years of grim seasons and a record that had more losses than a teenager on a dating app, Sides stepped in and, against all odds, started to turn things around. In her two-year tenure as head coach, she transformed the Fever from perennial cellar dwellers (they finished last with a staggering five wins in 2021) into a playoff contender. Her secret? Drafting the sensation Caitlin Clark and coaxing some semblance of teamwork from her players. Who knew winning could be so radical?
But hold onto your popcorn, because the plot thickens! Just hours after the firing was announced, Sides took to X (formerly Twitter, but who’s keeping track?) to share a rather cryptic message: “Leave it better than you found it.” This could mean one of two things—either she’s really proud of her work or she’s subtly hinting that the Fever need a thorough cleaning after her departure. Let’s hope it’s the former.
Now, as speculation runs rampant about who will fill Sides‘ shoes, rumors are swirling that former Fever coach Stephanie White could be making a triumphant return. Because nothing says stability like cycling through head coaches faster than a kid on a sugar rush!
Under Sides’ leadership, the Fever improved their winning percentage to a sparkling .325 by the end of 2023—an achievement that was practically a cause for celebration. But alas, her journey came to an abrupt halt after a playoff run that ended quicker than a microwave popcorn cycle. The Fever were swept by the Connecticut Sun, and apparently, that was enough for the powers that be to hit the reset button.
So, what’s next for Christie Sides? Will she bounce back with another team? Maybe take up knitting? Or perhaps she’ll just sit back and watch as the Fever try to figure out how to build on the progress she made. One thing’s for sure: her departure has certainly given Indiana fans something to talk about—like whether they should mourn her loss or celebrate the mystery of what comes next.
Stay tuned, WNBA fans! The Fever are looking for a new coach, and if the past few years are any indication, we’re in for a wild ride.