Briann January Returns to Indiana Fever as Assistant Coach, Ready to Bring Championship Mindset Back to the Franchise

INDIANAPOLIS — A familiar face is making her return to the Indiana Fever, with Briann January, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft, rejoining the franchise that drafted her. The team announced on Wednesday that January will be joining the Fever’s coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2025 season. She will work alongside head coach Stephanie White, who also coached January during her time with the Fever, and will be part of a coaching staff that includes assistant coaches Karima Christmas-Kelly and Austin Kelly, as well as player development coach Keith Porter.

January’s return to Indiana marks a full-circle moment for the 35-year-old, who spent nine seasons with the Fever as a player. Throughout her illustrious career, she became one of the most integral pieces in the team’s success, particularly during the Fever’s 2012 WNBA Championship run. January played a key role as the starting point guard, known for her defensive prowess, leadership on the floor, and ability to create plays. As one of the franchise’s all-time greats, she ranks second in games played (250), third in steals (285), and fourth in points (2,244), solidifying her place in Indiana Fever history.

In her statement, January expressed her excitement about returning to the organization that helped shape her career, saying, “I’m so excited for the opportunity to come back to the city and the organization that drafted me. This is a place where I got to play and win for a decade of my career. It’s my second home. I’m ready to get to work and hopefully bring another championship to Indiana with this incredible team and staff.”

After leaving the Fever in 2018, January played for the Phoenix Mercury for two seasons before finishing her playing career with the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm, retiring in 2022. During her time with Phoenix, she also served as an assistant coach at Arizona State, where she was part of the team’s coaching staff while playing.

Her coaching journey continued after her playing days, and in 2023, she rejoined Stephanie White as an assistant coach with the Connecticut Sun. The duo had worked together during White’s first stint as head coach of the Fever from 2014-2015, and they reunited in Connecticut. Over the past two seasons, they helped lead the Sun to the WNBA semifinals, with January’s experience and basketball IQ contributing to the team’s strong performance.

Now, with her return to the Fever, January will bring her expertise, leadership, and winning mentality to the sidelines. In a statement, Stephanie White said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Briann January back to Indiana. She is a part of the fabric of the Indiana Fever franchise from her impact as a player and will continue to be as a coach. Bri’s example of toughness, resilience, work ethic, communication style and basketball IQ will be a great resource for our players, staff, and community. She is a winner, a bright young coaching mind and an amazing human being. I am very excited to continue our coaching journey together.”

January’s coaching acumen is not limited to the WNBA. In addition to her new role with the Fever, she has also served as an assistant coach for the NBA G League’s Motor City Cruise, based in Detroit. However, with the G League season ending on March 29 after the Cruise failed to make the playoffs, January is now able to shift her full attention to her duties with the Fever.

Her return comes at a crucial time for the Fever, as the franchise looks to rebuild and return to championship contention. With a young and talented roster, including standout players like NaLyssa Smith and Emily Engstler, the Fever are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. January’s vast experience, leadership qualities, and deep understanding of the game will no doubt be invaluable as the Fever aim to develop their players and re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the WNBA.

For January, this return to the Fever isn’t just about coaching; it’s about legacy. She spent the majority of her career with the franchise, and now, as a coach, she is determined to leave a lasting impact on the next generation of Indiana Fever players. The fans in Indiana, who cheered her on as she helped bring the franchise its first and only championship, will surely welcome her back with open arms. And with her unparalleled basketball IQ and championship pedigree, January is poised to play a pivotal role in the Fever’s future success.

As January looks forward to this new chapter of her career, the Fever’s coaching staff is set to benefit from her wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. The road ahead may be challenging, but with Briann January back in the fold, the Indiana Fever are once again primed for greatness.