The 7 candidates to coach the Mavs
Dallas accelerates the search for a coach and has already interviewed seven candidates to replace Jason Kidd
Dallas Mavericks faces one of the most important decisions of their summer in the NBA. After the departure of Jason Kidd and the arrival of Masai Ujiri to lead the franchise's management, the organization is working intensively to find the coach who will lead the team in the next stage of the project.
The search is already underway, and the process is progressing well. According to available information, the Mavericks have interviewed at least seven candidates for the head coaching position, although the list of candidates could expand before a final decision is made.
The franchise's goal is to resolve the situation as soon as possible, especially because the 2026 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and the organization considers it important for the new coach to be involved in that process.
Dallas has explored profiles from various NBA organizations, combining assistants with experience in competitive franchises and coaches who have developed much of their careers in supporting roles within coaching staffs.
Among the interviewed candidates are Tony Dobbins, a member of the Boston Celtics coaching staff. They have also had discussions with Steve Hetzel, an assistant from the Brooklyn Nets, and with Royal Ivey, a member of the Houston Rockets' staff.
The list continues with Noah LaRoche, currently working as a coaching consultant at the Miami Heat, along with Jama Mahlalela, an assistant with the Toronto Raptors.
The Mavericks have also evaluated Micah Nori, an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Terry Stotts, one of the most experienced names in the group due to his previous tenure as head coach in three different stages.
Experience and New Ideas
The variety of profiles reflects that the franchise has not limited the search to a single type of candidate.
On one hand, there are assistants with recent experience in top league teams. On the other, coaches with a broader trajectory and experience leading projects from the head coaching position.
Terry Stotts' presence in the process perfectly illustrates that combination of established experience and new alternatives that Dallas is considering before making a final decision.
| Candidates Interviewed by Dallas |
|---|
| Tony Dobbins (Boston Celtics) |
| Steve Hetzel (Brooklyn Nets) |
| Royal Ivey (Houston Rockets) |
| Noah LaRoche (Miami Heat) |
| Jama Mahlalela (Toronto Raptors) |
| Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves) |
| Terry Stotts (former head coach) |
Also Looking at College Basketball
The Mavericks' search has not been limited exclusively to NBA coaches.
The franchise has also made contact with two of the most recognized names in American college basketball: Dusty May, the coach of Michigan, and Jon Scheyer, the head of Duke's program.
These conversations further expand the range of options being considered by the organization and demonstrate Dallas's willingness to explore different profiles before deciding who will take the helm.
However, it has not yet been revealed if any of them are among the top favorites for the position.
The Draft Sets the Deadlines
While the coach's selection is a priority in itself, another factor is accelerating the process: the 2026 NBA Draft.
Within the organization, it is considered important for the new coach to participate in discussions related to roster construction and provide their vision on the players who may join the team.
For this reason, the ideal intent of the Mavericks is to finalize the hiring before the event takes place.
A Crucial Decision for the Future
The first round of the Draft will take place on Tuesday, June 23, while the second round will be held on Wednesday, June 24.
Although the final decisions will rest with the management led by Masai Ujiri, the coach's involvement in that process is seen as a significant factor in sports planning.
| Key Dates for Dallas | |
| First round of the Draft | June 23, 2026 |
| Second round of the Draft | June 24, 2026 |
| Franchise's Objective | To have a coach before the Draft |
A New Project in the Making
Jason Kidd's departure has ushered in a new era for the Mavericks, and choosing his successor will be one of the most significant moves of the summer.
Masai Ujiri's arrival has also led to a reorganization in the sports direction, increasing the relevance of a hiring that could shape the franchise's future for the upcoming years.
For now, Dallas continues to analyze candidates and conduct interviews. With assistants from some of the best league organizations, coaches with proven experience, and prominent figures from college basketball, the franchise is keeping several options open while trying to find the right person to lead their next project from the sidelines.
The countdown to the Draft has begun, and all signs indicate that the resolution of this search will arrive in the coming days.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 7 candidatos a entrenar a los Mavs
