### Indiana Fever Part Ways with Coach Christie Sides After Two Seasons

The Indiana Fever announced on Sunday that they have "parted ways" with head coach Christie Sides after a tenure marked by significant milestones and challenges. Sides, who served as head coach for two years, led the Fever through a period of transition, culminating in the team's first playoff appearance since 2016. Despite the achievement, the Fever's season ended in disappointment with a two-game sweep in the first round of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun.

Sides was appointed head coach following the 2022 season, succeeding Marianne Stanley and interim coach Carlos Knox. During Sides' leadership, the team managed a 33-47 record overall, including an even 20-20 split in the 2024 season. Despite a rocky start with a 1-8 record in May 2024—facing what ESPN Analytics identified as the toughest schedule in the WNBA pre-Olympic break—the Fever found their stride. From June 1 to September 10, they boasted an 18-9 record and led the league in offensive rating with 109.6 points per 100 possessions post-Olympics.

"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," stated Kelly Krauskopf, Fever president of basketball operations. Krauskopf highlighted the importance of being bold and assertive in pursuit of team goals, including winning another WNBA championship.

Krauskopf, who recently returned to the Fever after a long tenure with the Indiana Pacers, initially expressed confidence in Sides during her introductory press conference. She acknowledged that team-building takes time and was impressed with the progress made under Sides' leadership. Nevertheless, the decision was made to part ways as the franchise aims to maximize its talent and achieve sustained success.

The Fever are looking forward to a fresh start in 2025 with a new head coach, general manager Amber Cox, and Krauskopf's leadership. The team will also be led by 2024 No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark and aims to re-sign All-Star Kelsey Mitchell in free agency. The Indiana Fever join the ranks of other WNBA teams, including the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and Washington Mystics, in the search for new head coaches. Notably, six of the bottom seven teams in the standings are currently seeking new leadership.

The Fever’s search for a new coach marks another turning point as the franchise looks to build on its recent progress and commitment to bringing championship glory back to Indiana.