NBA coaching tracker, rumors, candidates, updates: Pistons reportedly will interview TV analyst Kenny Smith
The Orlando Magic's coaching search is over. The Magic have hired former Hornets coach Steve Clifford. Clifford had a 196-214 record in five seasons in Charlotte, leading the team to two playoff appearances. The Magic, who haven't made the playoffs since 2012 and haven't won a series since 2010, are hoping Clifford can lead them back to the postseason. This leaves the Pistons and the Raptors as the final two teams looking for a new coach.
The Bucks beat the Toronto Raptors to the punch in hiring ex-Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer to succeed Jason Kidd in Milwaukee. Budenholzer was considered a candidate in Toronto, but he ultimately landed with Giannis and the Bucks bunch, leaving the Raptors in a rut with their search to replace fired coach Dwane Casey.
Where the Raptors go from here remains to be seen, but they could keep things in-house and promote assistant coach Nick Nurse, who is reportedly a candidate for the opening along with Rex Kalamian. In addition, the Raptors have reportedly interviewed two Spurs assistants -- Etorre Messina and Ime Udoka.
As for the Hawks vacancy left by new Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta announced it has hired 76ers assistant Lloyd Pierce.
In other hiring news, the Charlotte Hornets filled their coaching vacancy with Spurs assistant coach James Borrego, making the news official on May 10. Borrego's hire comes as a bit of a surprise as the Hornets were tied to a different Spurs assistant, Ettore Messina. But Borrego served as the Magic's interim coach in the 2014-15 season, when he went 10-20 with Orlando after Jacque Vaughn was fired midseason. He has also been an assistant with the Hornets, Spurs and Magic during his coaching career.
The NBA had another coaching vacancy open up as the Pistons announced that Stan Van Gundy will not return as coach or president of basketball operations. In four seasons under Van Gundy, Detroit missed the playoffs three times, including this season when it finished 39-43. The Pistons will be looking to hire their new coach and a team president separately. Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon is expected to be considered for the job, as is ex-Raptors coach Dwane Casey. TNT analyst Kenny Smith, a two-time NBA champion with the Rockets, is also in line to interview for the job.
Van Gundy isn't alone. Jeff Hornacek (Knicks), Frank Vogel (Magic) and Steve Clifford (Hornets) have also gotten the boot. New York has replaced Hornacek with former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale.
We'll continue to update this post with the latest firings, hires and rumors from around the league.
Coaching Rumors
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have parted ways with coach Mike Budenholzer after his reported displeasure with Atlanta's future plans
The Hawks have agreed to hire 76ers assistant Lloyd Pierce as the team's head coach.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has agreed to a deal James Borrego to a reported four-year contract.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit and Stan Van Gundy parted ways this offseason.
parted ways this offseason. David Griffin has been rumored as a potential candidate for the front office position, while Jerry Stackhouse and Becky Hammon are potential replacement coaches.
has been rumored as a potential candidate for the front office position, while and are potential replacement coaches. Former Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey will be a "primary target" of Detroit's coaching search in the wake of the Pistons' hiring of Ed Stefanski as senior adviser, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
will be a "primary target" of Detroit's coaching search in the wake of the Pistons' hiring of Ed Stefanski as senior adviser, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. TNT analyst Kenny Smith will receive an interview for the Pistons' coaching vacancy. Smith was mentioned in the Knicks' coaching search before they hired David Fizdale.
will receive an interview for the Pistons' coaching vacancy. Smith was mentioned in the Knicks' coaching search before they hired David Fizdale. Heat assistant Juwan Howard will reportedly interview for the Pistons coaching position, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have reportedly reached an agreement Mike Budenholzer.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Sam Presti put out any rumors of Billy Donovan being fired to bed during his exit interview when he said that Donovan will be the remain as coach
Orlando Magic
The Magic have signed a four-year deal with former Hornets coach Steve Clifford.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland reportedly considered firing coach Terry Stotts after the team was swept in the first round of the playoffs. Multiple teams like the Magic and Suns were ready to pounce if he were to become available, but Portland has changed its mind and wants to keep Stotts through the final year of his contract, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Toronto Raptors
Possible coaching candidates