The Nets have conducted a formal interview with interim head coach Jacque Vaughn for their permanent position, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports that Vaughn impressed team ownership.
Having taken the reins in Brooklyn following Kenny Atkinson‘s ouster in March, Vaughn won his first two games before the season was suspended, then went 5-3 in the seeding games this summer, despite being without most of the Nets’ regular contributors.
The Nets were swept out of the postseason in short order by the defending-champion Raptors, but opposing coaches were impressed with the job Vaughn did with the depleted roster, according to Charania. Sources tell The Athletic that Vaughn remains a “significant” candidate for Brooklyn’s permanent head coaching job and that the team would like him back in some capacity even if it’s not as head coach.
Vaughn’s interview is the first one reported so far in the Nets’ coaching search. The club is said to covet Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, but it remains to be seen whether that interest will be reciprocated. Tyronn Lue, Jason Kidd, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Ime Udoka are among the other coaches who have been linked to the vacancy.
The Nets plan to consult a number of their players during the search process, with stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving among those expected to have a say in the hire.
Fact that Nets are not holding interviews. Must tell us something. I know some are still playing. But enough aren’t. You know KD and Ky are the biggest voice here. I gotta think they want an offensive mind. Still see DAntoni as top pick. Mark Jackson hasn’t been talked to. He’s been available. So seems he’s out. Besides Lue and Kidd. There is no other. They think they can to 3-4 Finals right. So they are not going with a rookie coach. Nets have two big decisions. Next coach and who they trade for. That what their two stars want.
Although he would be changing sports, the next interview is with Ricky Vaughn
Must go all in for POP
i’m seeing Vaughn or Lue as coach