Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White revealed she's going through personal stuff and isn't focused on anything basketball-related. The 47-year-old coach was reportedly set to part with the Sun after their second-round elimination to the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA playoffs.
In an interview published on Thursday, White told the AP's Doug Feinberg that she's dealing with family issues that have kept her mind away from basketball. Feinberg wrote that she was holding back tears while explaining that she's not mentally ready to deal with the rumors.
“My priority is my family right now,” she said. “Honestly, just being here for my family getting through this, that’s my priority.”
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She didn't mention the situation, but stated that outside of her family, she's not paying attention to other topics.
“I’m not having conversations right now about anything outside of my family,” White said. “I’m solely focused on my family and getting through this tough time.”
Stephanie White signed with the Sun ahead of the 2023 WNBA season. She took the team to back-to-back playoffs appearances, but the squad couldn't get past the second round in either season, losing to the New York Liberty last year and the Minnesota Lynx exactly 10 days ago.
Another potential head coaching job opened for Stephanie White
As WNBA teams were eliminated from playoff contention, front offices made decisions on head coaches and four of them are now jobless. Tanisha Wright was fired by the Atlanta Dream at the start of October. Teresa Weatherspoon was dismissed by the Chicago Sky and the LA Sparks dismissed Curt Miller, too.
On Friday, another struggling team announced a head-coaching change. The Dallas Wings parted ways with Latricia Tammell after two years with the team. The 56-year-old coach had taken her team to the second round of the playoffs last season but the Las Vegas Aces eliminated them in the semifinals.
These four teams could make a run for White once her family situation is over and she's able to think of different things. She's a terrific player developer and can adjust to different situations during games.
Others have gone further and said that she should join the Indiana Fever, as she has history with the franchise and can be the right coach to take Caitlin Clark's game to the next level.
That could be the case with Angel Reese as well, but it remains to be seen what decision she makes for the future and if these teams will have a chance to acquire her services.
