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ESPN Legend Urges Indiana Fever to Pursue UCLA Coach Cori Close if Stephanie White Replaced

Indiana Fever fans and analysts are buzzing about a potential coaching change following the team’s early playoff exit, with former ESPN personality Linda Cohn spotlighting UCLA head coach Cori Close as a top candidate to replace Stephanie White. Close’s track record at UCLA stands out, particularly her ability to develop talent—she guided six Bruins players into the 2026 WNBA Draft, a program record.

Cohn praised Close’s knack for building a championship culture and preparing players for the next level, qualities she believes the Fever desperately need. Close’s contract with UCLA, a four-year, $8.0375 million deal signed in May, includes a favorable buyout clause if she were to leave for a WNBA head coaching role, dropping to just 25% of the usual amount—around $500,000 if she departs before March 2027.

While Close has hinted at a possible future in the WNBA, her current focus remains on UCLA, where she continues to shape one of college basketball’s most successful programs.

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