"Didn't JJ Redick just get hired?": WNBA fans react to tweet of Christie Sides having zero experience as head coach before leading Fever

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides has been under immense spotlight. The arrival of generational talent Caitlin Clark in Indiana has led to increased attention on coach Sides' game plans and strategies. The 2024 WNBA season has been an emotional rollercoaster for Sides, who began her career as a head coach in the league with Indiana in 2023.

The 47-year-old tactician has been criticized by a large section of fans with the Indiana Fever stuttering with a 7-11 record despite having Clark's services. Hoops fans have been disappointed with how Sides has utilized the No. 1 draft pick, especially in late-game situations, and managed her time on the court.

The criticism labeled toward Sides gained momentum after the Fever's 88-87 loss against the Chicago Sky on Sunday. One of the fans cited Sides' lack of head coaching experience in the league after Indiana's most recent defeat.

Reacting to Sides' coaching resume, hoops fans voiced their candid opinion on the Fever head coach. One fan compared Sides' situation with the LA Lakers' recently appointed coach JJ Redick, who also has no experience coaching in the NBA.

"Didn’t JJ Redick just get hired with no coaching experience."

Another fan lashed out at Fever's GM for trusting Sides, who had no prior experience of playing or coaching in the WNBA.

"And, zero experience as a player in the WNBA. You really should have one or the other. Otherwise, it's an unnecessary gamble that should cost you your job as GM, if it fails."

One of the fans launched a scathing attack on Sides and called her a "fraud" while another expressed "shock."

"It’s painfully obvious. This coach is a $500k/year fraud and proves it every game they play. So much more talent out there available to the wnba now that the spotlight has been shone.

"Yeah I looked her up a while ago & I was shocked the lack of experience."

A couple of fans also came to Sides' defense amidst surging criticism.

"She was an Assistant Coach on three different WNBA teams, it’s not as uncommon as you think! 7+ years as professional asst is good prep for becoming a head coach in any sport! ~Former College Asst Basketball Coach here," wrote an X user.

"Doesn’t mean the coach can’t be successful. Hoiberg had zero coaching experience when he took the Iowa State job. He did quite we," said another fan.

Christie Sides' tenure as head coach of Indiana Fever

Christie Sides served as an assistant coach for nine years in the WNBA with three different franchises: Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream. Sides landed her first job as a WNBA head coach with the Indiana Fever in 2023.

In her first season as Fever's head coach, Sides led the team to 13 wins in 40 regular season games. The ongoing season is Sides' second year as the head coach of Indiana. The team boasts a record of 7-11 after 18 games.

Overall, Sides has won 20 games and lost 38 as Indiana's head coach.