In a bit of a surprising move, the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday.
Kidd went 205-205 in five seasons, including two playoff trips and an NBA Finals appearance.
The Mavericks had also just given Kidd a contract extension in October, so the timing of the move was a bit of a shock, although the new front office regime might want to tart things fresh and bring in some new faces.
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With the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers all having head coach openings, the Mavericks are late to the party and need to identify some potential candidates.
While nothing concrete has been given from Dallas, NBA insider Marc Stein named two rising assistants who could make sense for the Mavericks: San Antonio Spurs coach Sean Sweeney and Minnesota Timberwolves‘ Micah Nori.
Both have some links to the organization in some form.
Masai Ujiri, the new President in Dallas, was with the Toronto Raptors before and worked with Nori.
Sweeney was Kidd’s top assistant for four seasons before he left to take a job with the Spurs, so both coaches have some ties that could help in that regard.
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Urjiri Said It Will Be An “Open Search”
On Wednesday, Ujiri spoke to reporters about moving on from Kidd, and the new man in Dallas admits it will be an “open search.”
“It’s an open search,” Ujiri said, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. “Our minds are very open. We’re going to look everywhere. Every stone unturned and we will really, really look at what’s best for this organization. First-time, experienced, college, European, everywhere. Whatever is best for this organization going forward.”
Among the openings, the Mavericks’ job is arguably the most attractive with a core of Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving and another top-10 pick this time.
So, Ujiri and company should have plenty of interested candidates for the job, but it just depends on who they think is the best fit to right the ship and get the Mavericks back to the postseason.
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This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on May 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.