The 2016 season marked the end of an unforgettable era for the Indiana Fever. Tamika Catchings played her final season, departing as one of the league’s all-time greats after guiding Indiana to 12 consecutive playoff appearances, including a title in 2012.

Catchings had been there since almost day one of the Fever’s existence, and her list of accomplishments with the franchise is unrivaled. She was an MVP, Finals MVP, five-time Defensive Player of the Year and 12-time All-WNBA selection. Catchings finished her career second all-time in points, first in rebounds and first in steals.

Adding to an already difficult transition, the Fever had another vacancy to fill when Stephanie White announced in May she would be leaving for Vanderbilt at the end of the season. White spent two years as Indiana’s head coach after four years as an assistant, taking over when Hall of Fame coach Lin Dunn retired.

On Friday, the team announced who will be at the helm for the start of its next era.

Pokey Chatman, who had spent the last half dozen years as head coach and general manager of the Chicago Sky, becomes the sixth head coach in Fever history. Chatman guided Chicago to four straight playoff berths, including a Finals appearance in 2014.

In speaking to WNBA.com after Friday’s press conference, Chatman touched on the unprecedented transition her new team is undergoing.

“I have more respect for Tamika than I could put into words,” Chatman said. “But I also understand the totality of this organization, and how Tamika has infused the players here with a work ethic and confidence. Yes, Catchings is done, but the expectation is not going to change. The way we approach things is not going to change. So there’s an excitement, even though you’re losing a legend.

“These players have had the privilege of playing with probably the greatest leader in the history of our game.”

Catchings was in attendance on Friday to see Chatman introduced, along with longtime Fever starting point guard Briann January. Chatman said she hasn’t spoken to White – Vanderbilt’s season started last week – but her predecessor did send some encouraging texts.

“The first thing she said was congratulations. The second thing she said was, ‘You’re going to love working for the Fever organization,’” Chatman said of White, who in 2015 became the first rookie coach to reach the Finals. “The third thing she said was, ‘If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.’”

Chatman has enjoyed success at every stop in her coaching career, starting at her alma mater.

A former star guard at LSU, Chatman led the Tigers to three straight Final Fours and compiled a 106-19 record as the school’s head coach. She then coached Spartak in Russia, and in 2010 was hired by Chicago, where she finished 106-98. The Sky had the Eastern Conference’s best record in 2013 and won their first conference title the next year.

Unlike her role in Chicago, Chatman will not serve as general manager of the Fever. President and GM Kelly Krauskopf has been with the franchise since it was founded.

“It will be a welcomed transition for me, having Kelly as the general manager,” Chatman said. “There’s a reason why Indiana has been so successful. I’m anxious to work alongside someone that’s been here 17 years and created a championship culture.”

For Chatman, 47, it’s an honor to be the next in line after Dunn and White. Before White took over, Dunn won 23 playoff games from 2008 to 2014, including the 2012 championship.

Even as Catchings departs after 15 years with the club, Indiana figures to have a promising future. Among the core are January, a former All-Star, and All-Rookie guard Tiffany Mitchell.

“It’s an organization that’s been one of the best in our business for quite some time,” Chatman said. “Now to be part of it, I’m beyond words. With the excitement here, and everyone working together to make it a championship-caliber organization, it’s really fun to be part of.”