The Brooklyn Nets are officially beginning their search for a new head coach. The list will likely consist of a few options that could be a guarantee and a few that are a total long-shot. A few options have already been eliminated including Jeff and Stan Van Gundy and Nate McMillan. The Nets are however taking a chance and have contacted Phil Jackson to replace P.J. Carlesimo at head coach.
The Nets are not the first team to reach out to Jackson and they certainly will not be the last. Jackson is the NBA's all-time coaching leader with 11 NBA titles to his name. The question becomes whether or not the Nets can get him as a head coach. Jackson has expressed interest in joining Brooklyn, but necessarily in a coaching role. The former Los Angeles Lakers coach is reportedly interested in stepping into a Pat Riley-type role with the team. He could join as team president and get a cut of the ownership.
If the Nets could land Jackson, their chances at getting Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw become greater. Shaw is one of the team's top choices for coach and they have received permission to speak with him after Indiana's season is over. Shaw and Jackson have a connection. They worked together in Los Angeles and Jackson has been a big supporter of Shaw's potential at being a head coach. If Jackson comes to Brooklyn, Shaw would likely follow.
While Shaw is on the list of people the Nets more likely to get, Doc Rivers sits on the long-shot end of the coaching list. ESPN's Chris Broussard reports that Brooklyn would be greatly interested in Rivers if the Boston Celtics release him of his current contract. Now, there is a very slim chance that could ever happen, but the Nets can certainly hope. Jerry Sloan also fills out the list of long-shots after receiving an endorsement from Deron Williams.
If the Nets fail to land Shaw, they have a few other options. The New York Daily News reports Mike Dunleavy is a candidate due to his relationship with Nets general manager Billy King and while the Van Gundy brothers are considered out right now, that will not stop Brooklyn from at least making a phone call or two to them.
