The Indiana Fever fired coach Christie Sides on Sunday. 

Lisa Bluder retired from coaching women’s college basketball in 2024LAPRESSE

The Indiana Fever’s recent decision to part ways with head coach Christie Sides has stirred anticipation among WNBA fans, especially after the team’s first playoff appearance since 2016.

With big names like Stephanie White and Cheryl Miller circulating in the search for a new head coach, there’s a new name being rallied by fans: Lisa Bluder, the recently retired Iowa coach known for her success mentoring rising stars like Caitlin Clark.

Could Lisa Bluder bring stability to Indiana?

Sides’ departure followed her two-season tenure with the Fever, where she guided the team to a playoff berth after a rough 1-8 season start.

While the Indiana Fever’s overhaul continues with Kelly Krauskopf as President of Basketball and Business Operations and Amber Cox as General Manager, the franchise’s aim appears clear: they’re building a championship-caliber team around standout talents like Clark and fellow All-Star Aliyah Boston.

Bluder’s association with Clark from their days at Iowa has made her a sentimental favorite among fans, who see her as a familiar and trusted influence for Indiana’s young star.

In response to Sides’ exit, fans have flooded social media with comments like “LISA BLUDER IS OTW!!!” and “Lisa Bluder incoming.”

Even basketball reporter Rachel DeMita fueled the speculation with her cryptic post on X, “someone call Lisa Bluder .”

Bluder herself addressed the rumors about a potential coaching role with the Fever back in July when questioned by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Dismissing any speculation about her coming out of retirement, she stated, “The one about being the (Indiana) Fever coach? I’ve definitely heard that. There is no way. Why? I left a great basketball job; why would I take another one? It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

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Yet, the Fever’s transformation has fans hopeful for a big-name addition who can maximize the talent of Clark, Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell-a free agent the team has expressed strong interest in re-signing.

With ample cap space and the backing of a newly restructured front office, Indiana has positioned itself as a potential destination for impact free agents, with recent hints that Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally may be among them.