Caitlin Clark handed ‘coach killer’ tag after brutal Indiana Fever decision

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has been warned to avoid becoming a ‘coach killer’ in the aftermath of Christie Sides’ exit from the WNBA team

After Christie Sides was shown the door despite making waves with the Indiana Fever, NBA prodigy Caitlin Clark is being warned against gaining a reputation as a ‘coach killer. ‘

Only last season, Sides piloted the Fever into their first post-season berth since 2016, yet found herself out of the job when the term wrapped up.

The Fever’s journey ended abruptly in the opening round, prompting them to bring on Stephanie White for a fresh two-year stint as head coach. White, who previously steered the Connecticut Sun, now faces the task of unlocking WNBA Rookie of the Year Clark’s exceptional talent the league’s top dog in assists and mastery from the three-point line.

As White settles back into Fever territory, where she once served both as head coach and assistant, the chemistry between her and young powerhouse Clark is already drawing speculation. The always outspoken Dan Dakich expressed his sympathy for Sides and concern over the possible effects on the rising star Clark.

On a broadcast on the OutKick YouTube channel, pundit Dakich said: “I feel bad for coach Sides because one of the things you have to understand, and I got this from someone who wanted the job… it’s the most high-profile job in the league.

“It’s the most high-profile job in the history of the WNBA, because you’ve got the most high-profile player in the history of the WNBA, that’s what you’ve got. And now people are paying attention. Look, I don’t like it one bit, the absolute only thing that could make the public go against Caitlin Clark is if she becomes a ‘coach killer’.

Caitlin Clark and Christie Sides

“And she’s off to a start. Of what? Of becoming a ‘coach killer’. One year, one coach, that coached got gassed. “I don’t know, man, would you want the job? Absolutely. That’d be the most fun job in the country.”

“Listening to everyone b—h, whine and moan about your team, that’s always fun. You want it to matter, you want the heat.”

At 47, White might have her own perspective on whether this is the challenge she’s seeking. However, coaxing an even better performance from Clark and making a deeper run in next season’s playoffs could be her strategy to quash the ‘coach-killer’ label.