"After much consideration, I have decided to resign my position as head coach and general manager of the Indiana Fever," said Fortner. "This has been a tremendous experience but there are other career opportunities that I would like to explore at this time. I would like to thank the Fever organization, the Simon family, Donnie Walsh and David Morway for allowing me to be a part of basketball history in bringing a women's professional basketball team to Indiana - where it belongs. I would be remiss if I did not thank all of the Fever fans for their tremendous loyalty and support. Being a part of building an expansion franchise from the ground up has been exciting and rewarding. I know Fever basketball will continue to thrive and be among the best of all WNBA teams."
Hired by the Fever on August 17, 1999, while completing her duties as head coach of the U.S. women's national basketball team, Fortner was the expansion franchise's first head coach and general manager. Fortner was committed to USA Basketball through the 2000 Olympic Games and the Fever was coached in its inaugural season by Anne Donovan. Fortner took over as coach for the 2001 season.
Fortner's record with Indiana was 42-56 over three seasons as head coach. The Fever advanced to the 2002 WNBA Eastern Conference playoffs by winning eight of the team's final 11 games. The Fever missed a bid at repeating another dramatic playoff entrance by losing on the final day of the 2003 regular season. Fortner's three Indiana teams finished 10-22, 16-16 and 16-18.
"On behalf of the Indiana Fever, I want to thank Nell for everything she has done for our organization both on and off the basketball floor," said Kelly Krauskopf, chief operating officer of the four-year franchise. "She has helped build this franchise and I truly enjoyed working with her. We wish her the very best."
Krauskopf noted that the Fever will begin an immediate search for a new head coach as the franchise prepares for its fifth season. Indiana possesses a lottery pick next spring in what is expected to be the strongest college draft since the league originated in 1997. With WNBA free agency now in place, the Fever can also add to its roster by signing another experienced free agent to complement a core group of players that includes WNBA All-Stars Tamika Catchings and Natalie Williams.