Briann January returns to Indiana Fever as assistant coach
INDIANAPOLIS (April 2, 2025) — Briann January, a WNBA champion and defensive standout, is returning to the Indiana Fever as an assistant coach. The Fever announced Wednesday that January will join Head Coach Stephanie White’s staff for the upcoming 2025 season. January brings a wealth of experience to the sidelines following a 14-year playing career, including nine seasons with the Fever, where she helped secure the 2012 WNBA Championship.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Briann January back to Indiana,” said White. “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, dialog style and basketball IQ will be a great resource for our players, staff and community.”
January expressed her excitement about returning to Indiana, stating, “I’m so excited for the prospect to come back to the city and the institution that drafted me. This is a place where I got to play and win for a decade of my career… I’m ready to get to work and hopefully bring another championship to Indiana with this amazing team and staff.”
A Storied Playing Career
Drafted sixth overall by the Fever in 2009, January established herself as a key player for the franchise. She ranks second in Fever history in games played (250) and assists (909). Her contributions also include ranking third in steals (285) and fourth in total points (2,244).
Beyond her time in Indiana, January also played for the Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun, and Seattle Storm. A skilled shooter, she led the WNBA in three-point percentage in 2015 (43.1%) and 2018 (47.0%). She was also named a WNBA All-Star in 2014 and earned seven All-Defensive Team selections.
Transition to Coaching
January’s coaching experience includes a stint as an assistant at her alma mater, Arizona State University, during the 2017-18 season. She also worked alongside Stephanie White with the Connecticut Sun in 2023 and 2024. Most recently, she served as an assistant coach with the Motor City Cruise in the NBA G League.
What level of familiarity with the Indiana Fever and Briann January’s playing career does the target audience likely have?
Briann January Returns: Q&A
Following the announcement that Briann January is returning to the Indiana Fever as an assistant coach,here’s a Q&A to provide more context:
Q&A
- Q: Who is Briann January?
- A: Briann january is a former WNBA champion and defensive specialist,now returning to the Indiana Fever as an assistant coach. She played in the WNBA for 14 years, including nine seasons with the Fever, where she won a championship in 2012.
- Q: What are Briann January’s key achievements as a player?
- A: January was drafted 6th overall by the Fever in 2009. She is second in Fever history in games played (250) and assists (909). She also ranks third in steals (285) and fourth in total points (2,244). She was a WNBA all-Star in 2014 and earned seven All-Defensive Team selections. Plus, she led the WNBA in three-point percentage in 2015 (43.1%) and 2018 (47.0%).
- Q: What coaching experience does January bring?
- A: January has experience as an assistant coach at Arizona State University (her alma mater) during the 2017-18 season, with the Connecticut Sun in 2023 and 2024, and most recently with the motor City Cruise in the NBA G League.
- Q: What’s the significance of January returning to the Fever?
- A: January brings a wealth of knowledge, defensive expertise, and championship experience to the Fever.Her familiarity with the franchise and her proven work ethic make her a valuable asset to Head Coach Stephanie White and the team.
- Q: What can fans expect from January as a coach?
- A: Fans can anticipate January imparting her defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and inspirational leadership. Her experience as a player will allow her to connect with the players and guide them using her personal experiences.
Briann January’s return to the Fever promises to enhance the team’s coaching staff. Keep an eye on the Fever as they aim for another championship with their new, seasoned coach.
