The Dallas Mavericks are actively searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Jason Kidd.
According to journalist Christian Clark of The Athletic, five candidates have emerged as potential replacements.
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Top Candidates for the Mavericks Job
Former Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney is a leading candidate.
He served as lead assistant under Kidd from 2021 to 2024 and designed the defensive strategies that led Dallas to two deep playoff runs.
Sweeney is also drawing interest from the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic.
Clark noted that it is a matter of when, not if, Sweeney will become a head coach.
Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori is another option.
Nori has worked under Chris Finch for five years and briefly served as interim head coach during the 2024 playoffs when Finch suffered a knee injury.
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Former Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter is also in the mix.
Splitter took over after a gambling scandal involving Chauncey Billups and led the team to the postseason. He has a connection with new Mavericks General Manager Mike Schmitz.
Collegiate candidates include Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has a 125-24 record in four seasons.
Scheyer has strong ties to Mavericks players Dereck Lively II and Cooper Flagg, both of whom he recruited.
South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley rounds out the list.
Staley, who has led the Gamecocks since 2008, interviewed with the New York Knicks last year and expressed enthusiasm for that opportunity.
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Mavericks executive Masai Ujiri is reportedly interested in exploring a historic hiring path with Staley as the search continues.
