Despite making the playoffs for the first time since 2016 the Indiana Fever have decided to make a head coaching change, firing Christie Sides after just two years.

The news comes after the Fever went 20-20 and made the playoffs, though they were swept in the first round by the Connecticut Sun.

“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,” said Fever president of basketball operations Kelly Krauskopf.

“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.”

Fever already have a replacement in mind?

The move may come as a shock to fans given the strong second half of the season the Fever had, which helped superstar Caitlin Clark become Rookie of the Year.

However it appears the Fever may have made the move with a replacement in mind, with Sun head coach Stephanie White viewed by many as the favorite to take over.

A Chicago Sun-Times article in early October suggested that White wasn’t expected to return to the Sun in 2025, before later clarifying that she is under contract for next season.

However, that speculation continued when Annie Costabile wrote on October 23: “Stephanie White has been in talks with multiple teams regarding her future. The three teams remaining in picture at this point are the Sky, Fever and Sun.”

White is no stranger to the Fever, having spent five seasons with the team while a player. She also served as assistant coach of Indian from 2011-2014 after she retired, and then took over as head coach in the 2015-16 seasons.

Time will tell whether the speculation is true, as the Fever look to begin a new chapter after letting Sides go.