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Indiana Fever Coach Addresses Potential Departure For New WNBA Job
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- Indiana Fever Coach Addresses Potential Departure For New WNBA Job
Stephanie White and the Indiana Fever have been the biggest surprise of the 2025 WNBA playoffs, upsetting the Atlanta Dream 2-1 in the first round before stealing homecourt advantage from the Las Vegas Aces to begin the semifinals. They did it all without Caitlin Clark . Now, the tied series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday.
While the Fever chase a second championship, other playoff teams have not been as fortunate. Two have dismissed their coaches following their elimination: the Seattle Storm parted ways with Noelle Quinn and the New York Liberty moved on from Sandy Brondello. The latter was just one year removed from winning the WNBA title.
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With four coaching vacancies ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, including the expansion Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, Fever assistant coach Briann January has emerged as a potential candidate.
Indiana Fever assistant coach Briann January talks with guard Shey Peddy.Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
January played nine seasons with Indiana from 2009-17, helping the franchise win its first WNBA championship. After retiring in 2022, she joined coach White on the Connecticut Sun 's staff, reaching the semifinals in both seasons. January followed White to Indiana, where they have made a third straight semifinal appearance.
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On Thursday, January spoke to the Indy Star's Chloe Peterson about taking on a larger role for another team. She made it clear that her focus remains with this current Fever team.
"One hundred percent being where my feet are, you know, and I do think everything you do and everything that I do, I want to continue to be my best, and I'm continuing to grow," January said. "And whatever opportunities do present themselves after the season, whatever, but in this moment, this is great experience for me as a coach."
January also mentioned she is using this playoff run as a learning experience while "keeping the door open for potential opportunities after the WNBA season."
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"I'm trying to grow, trying to be the best for my players, to see what it takes to be successful at this in this position, because I've never been here before, so it's this is a growing opportunity for me, and I'm just doing everything that I can to prepare myself to be the best," January added.
January and the Fever will host the Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Related: WNBA Star Makes Decision on Retirement 3 Months After Leaving Indiana Fever
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
