Fever Coach Makes Retirement Admission Involving Kelsey Mitchell
The Indiana Fever made sure that Kelsey Mitchell was not going anywhere in the offseason. The team made it abundantly clear that Mitchell was their top priority in WNBA free agency, and they proved it by getting her new deal done as soon as possible.
Mitchell, a restricted free agent, was Indiana's first signing as soon as the window opened. The Fever announced that Mitchell signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract to extend her tenure with the team. The three-time All-Star has been a pivotal piece for the Fever through the years, and the front office wasted no time in securing her future in Indiana.
Briann January was an integral piece of Stephanie White's coaching staff last season. January served as an assistant to White with the Connecticut Sun, and the former WNBA Coach of the Year made sure to bring her to Indiana.
On Thursday, January spoke highly of Mitchell and what the veteran guard brings to the table. January, who played 14 seasons in the WNBA before transitioning to coaching, admitted that Mitchell played a key role in her decision to retire.
"I knew it was time to retire when I had to match up against Kelsey a few years ago," January said. "She's just the ultimate pro and she's continued to stay consistent throughout her time here and lead the way.
"Good season, bad season, she's continued to be a pro, continued to be a great teammate, continued to be a great pillar in this community, so I can't say enough about her."
"I knew it was time to retire when I had to match up against Kelsey a few years ago."
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 23, 2026
assistant coach Briann January shouts out Kelsey Mitchell for being the ultimate pro pic.twitter.com/ajjln1kOrJ
January retired in 2022. At that point, Mitchell had already established herself as a bona fide star with the Fever in her fifth season with the team.
January suited up for the Fever for nine seasons. However, she parted ways with the team right before Mitchell started off her career in 2018. At this point, January is just glad she's coaching Mitchell rather than playing against her.
Mitchell had an incredible run in 2025. She plans to carry over that momentum to the new WNBA season. With Caitlin Clark back healthy, the Fever's backcourt is expected to make a lot of noise in 2026.
Related: Caitlin Clark Reacts to Stephanie White's Appearance at Media Day
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM.