The Indiana Fever crashed out of the first round of the playoffs, and it might be Stephanie White whose fate is hanging by a thread. Throughout the season, the Fever were at the top of the league in offense, hoping to dethrone the defending champions, but the Las Vegas Aces sent them home after winning the series by 2-1. Now, there are questions surrounding White’s future in Indiana. 

“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,” White told reporters in her exit interview.

A former player with the franchise, she’s been the head coach for the team for two years now.

“You know, I love the opportunity,” she continued. “I love this franchise. I have always felt supported, you know, by this franchise. I hope to continue to be the coach.”

White’s coaching has been under the microscope throughout her second season with Indiana. There were questions about her utilization of Caitlin Clark and the cast around her. Analysts and fans consistently questioned White’s lineup decisions. It already seemed like the focus had concentrated on her as the season was heading towards the end. 

White had a pretty successful start to her second stint in 2025 as Indiana’s head coach. The Fever reached the semifinals and took the Aces to Game 5 before falling short in overtime. White was able to lead the team without Caitlin Clark, who played only 13 games due to multiple injuries. 

This season, despite the Fever looking like a strong contender, they had serious defensive issues. While they were ranked No. 1 in offensive rating throughout the season, their defense ranked far lower on the chart. Indiana failed to address it, and it finally became their Achilles heel in the playoffs. 

The Aces humiliated their defense in Game 1 of the first round with a 102-85 win. A’ja Wilson and Co. shot 59% from the field, including 47% from the 3-point line. In the series decider Game 3, Las Vegas shot 45% in field goals, with 40% shooting from the deep. Indiana’s offense, which had the caliber to outscore any team in the league, suddenly looked like an average team.

As the head coach of the team, White was blamed for the losses. However, a turnaround would not have been possible for Indiana anyway. They lacked an aggressive athletic wing who could defend around the 3-point line. Aliyah Boston was great in her role at five, but the Fever needed someone to make the job easier for her and share defensive responsibilities.

So far there has been no indication that the Fever want to part ways with the head coach. Amber Cox, the Fever GM, was asked about Stephanie White’s future with the team, and she indicated that White was returning for the next season. 

“I think the expectation is always a championship, and we didn’t meet that expectation,” she told reporters. “But we’re going to learn from it, and we’re going to grow. Steph’s players know they ride that she rides for them. I think she has great relationships.”

Interestingly, if this ends up being her last season with the team, she’ll have coached for as many years as her predecessor, Christie Sides (2023-2024).

“There are things we never need to get better at,” she continued. “And we’re all going to get in the room and get back to the drawing board and we’re going to address some of those and make sure that we’re ready to go when next season starts. And that includes Steph and the coaching staff.”

White has maintained a great relationship with her players. While she and Caitlin Clark have been seen arguing courtside, the Fever star has maintained that she rides with her coach. 

In two seasons that White has coached the Fever, she has won 59% of the games, with a 52-36 overall record. Indiana has made the playoffs on both occasions.

So far, it doesn’t seem like the Fever would part ways with their head coach. Unless there is someone better in the market.