Today, we’re talking about the Indiana Fever. Don’t look now, but they could be heading towards getting a new head coach. There’s been some buzz surrounding Stephanie White, who has strong ties to Indiana, and the possibility that she could take on that role. This would be huge for the Fever, and personally, I think it could be a great move for the team.
Now, I’ve been vocal about my interest in seeing an NBA coach like Mark Jackson take over, but White’s connection to the Fever makes her a strong candidate. She’s reportedly in talks with the team, and although nothing’s set in stone, it’s interesting that conversations are happening. Chicago Sky is also in the mix, but does White really want to go to the mess happening in Chicago? It’s clear that Indiana might be a better fit for her.
White has deep ties to Indiana—she played there, coached there, and was born and raised in the state. She’s got pride in Indiana basketball and in the Fever organization, both as a player and a coach. Her emotional attachment to the team and the region makes her an almost perfect candidate.
Recently, a report came out raising questions about the current Fever head coach, Christy Sides, and whether she’ll return next season. White, having finished her contract with the Connecticut Sun, is now a free agent and is reportedly in discussions with three teams: Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, and of course, the Indiana Fever.
Sides did a solid job with the Fever this past season, leading the team to a 20-10 finish and building chemistry with the players, especially with rookie star Caitlin Clark. But the team’s sweep in the first round of the playoffs, paired with some questionable coaching decisions—like strange timeouts and substitutions—leaves room for improvement.
White, known for improving defensive strategies, could be the solution. Defense is something that the Fever, and even Caitlin Clark, need to work on. Clark’s offensive prowess is undeniable, but strengthening her defense could take her game to the next level.
There’s also talk that Nelissa Smith got too much playing time in critical games due to her relationship with another player on the opposing team, D.J. Carrington. This might have impacted the team’s strategy, and tough calls should’ve been made by the coach to avoid any conflict of interest. That didn’t happen, and it likely cost them. White, however, isn’t afraid to make those tough decisions.
Looking at the Fever’s roster, it’s clear they’ve got a Big Three—Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Caitlin Clark—which is enough firepower to contend. Add in Lexie Hull, who’s a defensive spark plug and can hit from deep, and this is a team that should have gone further in the playoffs.
