In a recent interview, the new president of the Indiana Fever discussed the challenges faced by head coach Christy Sides, sparking debate about her future with the team. While some interpreted the remarks as supportive, others, including commentators, believe the president’s comments indicate that Sides may not be returning.
Though the president acknowledged that Sides had been dealt a tough hand, noting her resilience and the culture she fostered, there was no explicit endorsement of her coaching abilities. The praise appeared to focus on Sides as a person rather than as a basketball strategist, a critical distinction noted by analysts.

The core of the issue seems to revolve around Sides’ coaching tactics, particularly her decisions during key moments of games. Critics have highlighted a mismatch between her style of play and the strengths of star player Caitlin Clark. While the team played fast when they started quarters or after timeouts, they often slowed down in pivotal moments, seemingly due to Sides’ preferences for “paint touches,” which emphasized post play. This approach, however, may have stifled the talents of players like Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, who thrive in a more open, fast-paced environment.
One glaring example of questionable decision-making came during the playoffs. Sides reportedly instructed Clark not to dribble as a way to limit turnovers, shifting more ball-handling responsibilities to Mitchell and other players. This approach resulted in a significant number of turnovers by other team members and led to a 20-2 run by the opposing team, without a timeout being called to stop the momentum.
The president’s emphasis on building the team around Clark raised further doubts about Sides’ compatibility with the franchise’s long-term vision. While Sides favored tactics that clogged the lane and created difficult shot opportunities for Clark and Mitchell, the Fever were at their best when they spread the floor, allowing players like Aaliyah Boston to showcase their versatility and play a face-up game.
The criticism extends beyond specific plays to broader concerns about Sides’ overall coaching effectiveness. Commentators have pointed out that, despite starting promising lineups late in the season, Sides persisted with questionable rotations for much of the year. Her handling of Nelissa Smith, starting her in critical games only to bench her after a few minutes, was cited as an example of demoralizing coaching strategies.
The interview, while complimentary of Sides’ resilience and character, avoided any direct affirmation of her role moving forward. Observers believe this suggests that a coaching change may be imminent. Ultimately, it seems that the Fever are more likely to prioritize building a system around Clark’s dynamic playstyle, which could mean parting ways with Sides, whose tactics have often been at odds with maximizing the potential of the team’s star players.