WEDNESDAY, 9:42am: Jackson had his interview with the Wolves on Tuesday, Krawczynski notes amid a story on Sacramento’s coaching search.
TUESDAY, 9:44am: The Timberwolves will interview Mark Jackson for their coaching job, a source tells Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press (Twitter links). The team has reportedly made Tom Thibodeau and Jeff Van Gundy its top candidates, having interviewed both, and Minnesota is apparently thinking about hiring one or the other for a dual coach/executive role. It’s unclear if that’s the case with Jackson. Krawczynski doesn’t indicate that he’s up for the president of basketball operations position.
The Wolves also had interest in Jackson long ago, as he was one of the finalists when the team hired Kurt Rambis in 2009, as Krawczynski points out. Jackson, who frequently draws mention as a potential candidate for openings, has drawn interest from the Kings and was in the mix this spring for the Nets job that’s since gone to Kenny Atkinson. He’s been Van Gundy’s broadcast partner on ABC and ESPN since the Warriors fired him following a 51-win campaign two years ago. Jackson’s dismissal came in large measure because his personality clashed with key members of the organization, and it was in spite of the widespread support he had from players. Jackson was 121-109 in three seasons with the Warriors, helping turn around a long-dormant franchise that’s since gone on to record-breaking success under coach Steve Kerr.
Dave Joerger and Scott Brooks are also reportedly candidates for the Timberwolves coaching gig, and owner Glen Taylor apparently discussed the job with Brooks last week. Taylor, 74, has been trying to find a buyer who will eventually succeed him as primary owner, and the subject of just how long he plans to remain has come up during the coaching interviews, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link).
The Wolves have partnered with the search firm Korn Ferry, which helped the Pistons land Stan Van Gundy. Adrian Wojnarowski and Chris Mannix of The Vertical reported that Taylor is expected to be willing to pay the right candidate $7MM a year, but it appears that salary would be only for someone the team would hire to both coach and run the front office.
Do you think Jackson would fit with the Timberwolves? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.
I think Jackson blends well with young players. I also think he’s been overlooked and some what underrated as a coach. Timberwolves won’t be hurting themselves if they hired him.
Mark Jackson certainly deserves another shot at a head coach job. After all, he was the one who turned the Warriors franchise into a winner not Steve Kerr. Kerr took them to another level, but Jackson started them on the road to becoming a winning franchise.
I’ve liked Mark Jackson for this job opening since we heard about Sam Mitchell. This situation is somewhat reminiscent of when the Warriors were in a position where they needed improvement defensively. I think Minnesota has that issue. Obviously, they could use another shooter, but defense is their primary issue, and I think Jackson can develop that, with the athletes they have there. I think he fits better with the young guys than Thibs or Van Gundy. Just don’t make him the GM too lol
Anybody but Thibodeau. Take Jackson
They need to wait 1 week…then check on the availability of Joerger. He’s the guy, no question. We can triple his salary, and it is deserved.
Mark Jackson has the skills to coach anywhere!!!