The NBA’s head coaching carousel was unusually quiet last spring, when all 30 teams stuck with their incumbent coaches at the end of the 2016/17 season. That won’t be the case this year, however.
Already, three teams have made in-season coaching changes, and the Suns, Grizzlies, and Bucks are each expected to conduct a more expansive search for a permanent head coach at season’s end. Those three clubs are unlikely to be the only ones in the market for someone new.
Although there have been no reports confirming that the Knicks will replace Jeff Hornacek this offseason, it has been a subject of frequent speculation for New York writers, with multiple reporters suggesting that Hornacek’s time with the Knicks may be nearing an end.
Like Hornacek’s Knicks, the Nuggets and Pistons are in danger of missing the postseason this year, which wouldn’t bode well for the job security of either Michael Malone or Stan Van Gundy — based on the current standings and their respective track records, Malone is probably safer than Van Gundy for now. Doc Rivers‘ Clippers are also battling for a postseason spot and could miss out. If that happens, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Rivers follow Chris Paul and Blake Griffin out of town.
Among probable lottery-bound teams, Frank Vogel (Magic), Dave Joerger (Kings), Fred Hoiberg (Bulls), Steve Clifford (Hornets), Mike Budenholzer (Hawks), and Luke Walton (Lakers) aren’t 100% locks to return, though most of them should — particularly since a few of those clubs weren’t expecting to make the playoffs this season anyway.
While most coaches for playoff teams should be safe, the actual results of the postseason could change the equation. For instance, if the Cavaliers are upset in the first round, that would almost certainly kick off a debate about Tyronn Lue‘s job status.
What do you think? Which head coaches will be replaced this season? Which coaches should be replaced? And which candidates for head coaching jobs do you think should be most coveted this spring when teams are making new hires?
Jump into the comment section below to weigh in with your thoughts!
Steve Clifford will definitely be a name to watch depending on how Charlotte finishes the season and what direction new management takes
Yeah, out of the six I mentioned in that paragraph, I think Clifford’s probably the most at-risk, given the changing front office and the fact that the Hornets expected to be a playoff team.
I live just outside of Charlotte and watch a ton of Hornets games and from what I can tell the team loves having him as HC. Unfortunately the results on the court aren’t in his favor. If you look back at this season though and look at a significant number of missed games by guys like Nic Batum and Cody Zeller, one a starter and the other a key rotation player, you can almost show a little bit of leniency.
I think SVG and Hornacek are done as soon as both Pistons and Knicks are eliminated so perhaps for the season ends. I think Doc is gone no matter what. I dont even think a Clips WCF berth saves him. I think Malone might be safe even if Denver misses. Vogel too. That Magic roster is bad. Joerger and Hoiberg will stick around until Kings and and Bulls are competitive which might be one or two seasons away. Clifford might keep his job if Hornet get in and win a playoff series. Think Mike B for the Hawks and Luke Walton are safe. Ty Lue steps down if Lebron leaves.
I think of every coach whose job is in jeopardy the safest is Budenholzer. He was a coach of the year once and when building with young players like they have its good to have continuity.
Doc Rivers and SVG are gone and they both suck anyway.
Those are the 2 big ones. Doc goes to Knicks makes sense too.
Orlando got off to a fine start with fast action but VOGEL was not the right coach for that. They should have ditched the coach but they gave away Peyton instead. Maybe that means they plan to play Vogel’s pace instead and change the players, but that is hard! Easier to fire the coach.
The mood in Charlotte sounds ornery, not good for CLIFFORD. Jordan did not like putting Kemba on the block.
Cavs are already paying 3 HCs and will not want to pay a 4th. LUE will stay; new players to blend in will serve as any excuse.
The other names mentioned, seems like they should return.
Agree on Vangundy and Rivers likely firings.
Not that I wish someone out of a job but SVG and Doc probably should be canned together. SVG for giving up a lottery pick for a shell of what is Blake Griffin and Doc so he doesn’t botch said lottery pick lol.
Clifford didn’t put Kemba on the block, Cho did.
The whole league and media put Kemba on the block!– whether Jordan would let him go or not. And Cho may have already taken the blame. But if a season comes to that, you would have to wonder if it’s all wrong.
I’m not WANTING Clifford gone, I prefer stories of continuity.
I’d like to see Triano get at least one more full season. I’m by no means a suns fan, but he knows how to help grow a team – or at least seems to.