There are still three open NBA coaching jobs, though one appears to be getting closer to being filled. According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, the Portland Trail Blazers are down to three candidates for their head coaching job: Micah Nori, Tyler Lashbrook, and Tiago Splitter.
NBA Coaching Rumors: Blazers Down To 3 Candidates While Mavs Add 13-Year Veteran to Ledger
“Sources tell The Stein Line that three of the five finalists we identified last week remain under consideration for the full-time post in Portland: Minnesota’s Nori, Boston’s Tyler Lashbrook and Blazers acting coach Tiago Splitter,” Fischer said. “The other finalists who, according to sources, did not advance: The Clippers’ [Jeff] Van Gundy and Utah’s Mike Williams.”
Portland is coming off its best season since the 2020-21 season. But the Trail Blazers are searching for a new coach, with Splitter serving as interim coach following Chauncey Billups’ arrest.
Dundon also owns the Carolin Hurricanes, who are in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, so a decision may not be imminent. Also, it has been reported that Dundon, who has cut the Blazers’ spending since taking over the team, only plans on spending $1-to-1.5 million per year on a head coach.
Breaking Down Blazers Head Coaching Finalists
Despite Dundon reportedly not being a fan, Splitter appears to be the favorite. The Blazers went 41-38 over the former NBA big men, though they were only average on both ends of the floor. They did a good job rebounding, protecting the ball, and getting to the free-throw line. He is known for developing players and has the most head-coaching experience of the trio of candidates, having also served as head coach at Paris Basketball for one season (2024-25). Also, Deni Avidja developed into an all-star under Splitter’s tutelage.
Nori is a highly thought-of veteran assistant coach who has been Chris Finch‘s right-hand man since 2021 and an assistant since 2009. The 52-year-old has interviewed for several coaching openings recently and took over the Timberwolves during the 2024 playoffs while Finch was recovering from a torn patellar tendon. He also coached the Wolves summer league team.
Nori is known as an offensive guru who emphasizes modern and free-flowing concepts. He is also known for excellent communication skills.
Lashbrook is an intriguing candidate, though he is probably not quite ready for a head coaching job at 33, with only two years as an NBA assistant. Lashbrook has been in the NBA since 2018, serving mainly in a video and player development capacity before being named head coach of the G-League Maine Celtics in 2024. He directed Maine to a 29-21 record and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Lashbrook is considered a specialist in late-game or offensive situations. However, on the defensive end, he is considered a specialist.
Last Word
As long as Splitter agrees to Dundon’s salary structure, there is no reason why he won’t get the job. Splitter has proven successful as a head coach, relates well with his players, and is familiar with the players and the organization. Nori is the second choice, though he is expected to demand more money than Dundon wants to pay.
Terry Stotts Expected to Interview for Dallas Mavericks Head Coaching Job
Dallas is entering the third week of its coaching search. The Mavericks are coming off a 26-56 campaign, marking the second straight season that they missed the playoffs and their worst mark since 2017-18.
In the same article, Fischer said that former NBA head coach Terry Stotts will certainly get an interview. Stotts has served as an assistant on Steve Kerr’s staff with the Golden State Warriors.
“Stotts — who previously had a stint in Dallas as an assistant and was once recommended strongly for Kidd’s staff by former majority owner Mark Cuban — is also certain to get an interview for the position,” Fischer wrote.
Stotts has 13 years of NBA head coaching experience, serving as Portland’s head coach from 2012-21. The 68-year-old owns a 517-486 record with nine postseason appearances, posting a 23-44 record. Stotts has three 50-win seasons and guided the Trail Blazers to the 2019 Western Conference Finals. He also spent two seasons leading the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukkee Bucks.
Stotts becomes the seventh known candidate for the Mavericks’ head coaching job. Nori, who has also drawn interest from the Chicago Bulls for their opening, could be the frontrunner for the Mavs job. Royal Ivey and Billy Donovan are also expected to receive much consideration. Longtime Toronto assistant Jama Mahlalela, Boston assistant Tony Dobbins, and Miami Heat consultant Noah LaRoche have also drawn interest from the Mavs.
“I mean, I haven’t heard anything really from Dallas,” Nori said on Tuesday on SiriusXM. “Had, you know, just some feelers out with
Chicago. They’re very, very early in their stage. And then Portland, same thing, just some, you know, some conversations here and there. Nothing too serious. These guys are all taking their time and doing their due diligence as they can. But we’ll see.
Like I say, I have a great, fantastic job with Minnesota, and I think that all these things come about because of the success that we’ve had there. And I think I’ve been around for so daggone long, but it’s been, it’s OK.”
Photo credit: Scott Wachter, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
