Sources: Decision On New Kings Head Coach Is Down To Two Candidates
May 5, 2022, 9:04 AM | Updated: 9:04 am
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
And then there were two.
During this morning’s edition of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, sources close to the Sacramento Kings’ coaching search relayed to Dave that the decision is down to two candidates:
- Mark Jackson, former Golden State Warriors head coach & current ESPN analyst
- Mike Brown, current assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors
Per Dave’s sources, a decision is expected by the end of this weekend–if not sooner.
Shortly following Dave’s report, Sam Amick of The Athletic echoed an earlier report this week from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer that stated Kings owner Vivek Ranadive prefers Jackson over Brown.
While it might be true that Ranadive, a former owner of the Warriors from 2010 through 2013, has his eyes on Golden State’s former head coach, Amick reported on Thursday that Sacramento is insisting that general manager Monte McNair will make the final decision on who the franchise will hire.
As Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer noted on Tuesday, there is indeed a strong sense from sources close to the situation that Jackson is the preferred candidate of Kings owner Vivek Ranadive. But the Kings insist there’s a level playing field, and that second-year general manager Monte McNair will be given the leeway to make the final decision.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick – May 5, 2022
Jackson had his meeting with the Kings’ brass on Tuesday, while Brown met with Sacramento’s representatives on Wednesday and is scheduled to have his second formal interview with McNair and Ranadive on Thursday.
Many questions surround Jackson, who last patrolled an NBA sideline during the 2013-14 season with a rising Golden State Warriors team. Although the former All-Star guard’s name has been often mentioned in head coaching searches from around the league over the years, the 57-year-old has yet to secure another job.
Brown, 52, coached the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers to a 305-187 (.620) record during his six seasons with the team that included five postseason berths and an appearance in the 2007 NBA Finals.
Since the beginning of the 2016-17 season, Brown has been an integral part of a Warriors coaching staff that has won two championships and grown into one of the greatest basketball dynasties in recent memory.
A decision could take place anytime this weekend. Buckle up, Kings fans.
