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Another day, another WNBA team parting ways with their head coach.
On Monday, the Connecticut Sun became the seventh team to dismiss their head coach since the end of the 2024 season, with the organization choosing to move on from Stephanie White after two seasons. White, the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year, led the Sun to a 55-25 record and two semifinals appearances.
Sun president Jen Rizzotti said in a statement:
We want to thank Stephanie for her time in Connecticut and her commitment to our organization over the past two seasons. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.
White’s dismissal seems of a different flavor than the six previous coaches who have been fired. Earlier this month, rumors emerged that White could be a candidate for open head coaching positions. At her end-of-season press conference, the coach then revealed that she and her family were going through a “tough” time, sharing:
I’ve had a family emergency. That’s why I had to postpone and [I’m] still dealing with it now. So, it’s been a it’s been a tough time, but I knew that I needed to get in front of you guys and wrap up, certainly, our season. I appreciate the patience as I continue to navigate this situation.
Quite possibly, a return to her home state of Indiana will allow White to better balance her family situation with a WNBA head coaching position. The Chicago Sun-Times’ Annie Costabile, who first reported potential league interest in White, indicates that multiple league sources expect Indiana to hire White. The Fever’s decision to move on from head coach Christie Sides on Sunday seems, in large part, motivated by the prospects of bringing White back to the organization where she played (2000-04) before serving both as an assistant coach (2011-14) and head coach (2015-16).
As one of the WNBA’s most highly-regarded coaches, White can’t be blamed for potentially wanting to be at the helm of a younger team with upward momentum. The Fever’s youthful upside, led by Caitlin Clark, who will be 23 years old at the start of next season, and Aliyah Boston, who will be 24, contrasts with the Sun’s fading prospects. Alyssa Thomas will be 33 years old when the 2025 season begins, while Bonner will turn 38 during the season. And, there’s no guarantee that they’ll still be in Connecticut, as the pair, along with Brionna Jones, are unrestricted free agents.
Regardless, the WNBA coaching carousel keeps spinning.