Indiana Fever Coach Addresses Potential Departure For New WNBA Job

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 3:43 PM ET

Stephanie White and the Indiana Fever have been the biggest surprise of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, upsetting the Atlanta Dream 2-1 in round one before stealing homecourt advantage from the Las Vegas Aces to begin the semifinals. All without Caitlin Clark. Now, the 1-1 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 elimination: the Seattle Storm parted ways with Noelle Quinn, and the New York Liberty moved on from Sandy Brondello, just one year removed from a WNBA title.

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.

January played nine seasons with Indiana from 2009 to 2017, 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 then followed White to Indiana, where they have now made it three straight semifinal appearances.

On Thursday, January spoke to Indy Star's Chloe Peterson to discuss potentially taking on a larger role for another team. She made it clear that her focus remains with this current Fever team.

“100% 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.”

"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.

With the WNBA coaching carousel nearing full swing, Bri January has appeared on multiple coaching shortlists.

She didn’t shut down being open to opportunities following the Fever season, but right now, she’s “100% being where my feet are.”https://t.co/oGvBl76w4g
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) September 25, 2025