After nearly three decades of leaving a lasting legacy with the organization, Kelly Krauskopf has stepped down as president of the Indiana Fever, the team announced Friday. The 64-year-old played a key role in the Fever’s growth from their founding, helping the franchise win its first WNBA championship in 2012. However, it did not take long for Fever fans to revive a notion they have been clamoring for throughout the season: the departure of Fever head coach Stephanie White.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Initially, when the Fever brought White back for her second stint as head coach, it was widely celebrated. After all, she was an assistant coach when the Fever won its first and only championship, and earned the WNBA Coach of the Year award with the Connecticut Sun back in 2023. The hype was real, as White would have the opportunity to coach the biggest emerging star in women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark.
But after two failed attempts to win the WNBA championship, including a first-round exit against reigning champions Las Vegas Aces this season, and multiple on-court frictions with Clark, Fever fans want a change, as they filled the comment section of the announcement of Kelly Krauskopf’s exit, calling for White’s removal as head coach. The first-round loss to the defending champion Aces capped a season that fell short of championship aspirations.
“Take the coach with her. We want CC to take the point, and not be taken out when she gets hot,” one fan commented.
White has frequently been on the hot seat this season for not properly utilizing Clark, as many are frustrated that White is not handing the team’s keys to the 24-year-old. This can be traced to Game 1 of the Fever’s first-round matchup against the Aces. With 6:49 remaining in the third quarter, White subbed Clark out, and Clark visibly reacted by throwing her hands into the air in frustration as she walked toward the bench. Instances like these have been a huge talking point within the Fever fandom and are one of the biggest reasons why they want White sacked.
“Keep it going, Herb! Your fanbase is begging for a complete overhaul – new Coach, new GM. H***, even new medical staff. Please!”
Apart from White, multiple comments said they want a new-look Fever going into next season. This particular fan also demanded a new medical staff from Indiana franchise owner Herb Simon. The impact of the Fever’s core duo, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, was limited by injuries this season. Clark dealt with recurring back issues from the opener, while Boston played through a lingering lateral meniscus injury in her right knee, which she suffered during Unrivaled, for most of the season.
“Lin Dunn should retire. Amber Cox should be demoted to merchandising or dismissed. Stephanie White and her entire staff should be dismissed. Anything short will be business as usual.”
Another fan wanted the trio of Fever’s senior advisor Lin Dunn, general manager Amber Cox, and head coach White to see the door. According to this fan, if these positions are not revamped, then the Fever will be stuck in the loop they are currently in and, in short, continue with business as usual.
“Hopefully this is the tip of the iceberg and more to follow. They also need to obtain some athletic forwards who can play defense, stretch the floor, run and catch passes from Clark.”
White’s team has drawn heavy criticism for its porous defense. Opponents averaged 90.5 points against them at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the regular season, and 90.3 points on the road. Indiana’s defensive rating of 109.0 was the worst of any playoff qualifier and ranked ninth league-wide. Apart from Boston, nobody in particular shined in this area, and this fan wants new faces at forward who can complement Clark’s offensive prowess.
“Clean out the entire front office and coaching staff. CC should be the one handpicking the HC and GM.”
Meanwhile, a fan argued that Caitlin Clark should be the one choosing a new head coach and general manager.
Sacking White is not the easiest of tasks. After all, she is Indiana basketball royalty and a proven head coach. However, fans believe White has underachieved with the squad she has, and with Krauskopf exiting, maybe the first domino has fallen. Even White is not sure about her future, as she stated in her exit interview.
“I feel support from the organization, no doubt about that. You know, at the end of the day, it’s their decision about whether I return or not… You know, I love the opportunity, I love this franchise. I have always felt supported by this franchise. I hope to continue to be the coach,” White told reporters.
A long offseason awaits the Indiana Fever franchise, and it will be interesting to see what the near future holds for White and the rest of the front office.