{"id":129665,"date":"2025-04-01T20:45:19","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T00:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=129665"},"modified":"2025-04-01T20:45:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T00:45:19","slug":"analyzing-13-teams-looking-for-new-nba-heac-coach-this-offseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/04\/01\/analyzing-13-teams-looking-for-new-nba-heac-coach-this-offseason\/","title":{"rendered":"Analyzing The 13 NBA Teams Who Could Be Looking For New Head Coach This Offseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

The clock on NBA<\/a> coaches got started earlier than expected. While the Memphis Grizzlies’<\/a> dismissal of Taylor Jenkins<\/a> on Friday surprised some, it reiterates the tenuous position that NBA<\/a> coaches are in.<\/p>\n

Analyzing The 13 NBA Teams Who Could Be Looking For A New Head Coach This Offseason<\/h2>\n

Jenkins did a phenomenal job helping Memphis remain a consistent factor in the West. One year after the Grizzlies finished a disappointing 27-55, Jenkins had Memphis in contention for a top-two seed in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies did slide to fourth in the conference when he got the pink slip.\u00a0 He went 250-216 during the regular season and 9-14 in the playoffs, reaching the second round once.<\/p>\n

Which coach could get axed next? Here is a look at 13 teams who could make a coaching change before the 2025-26 season starts.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Hawks<\/h3>\n

Quin Snyder<\/a> is a solid NBA head coach and can’t take the brunt of the blame for the Atlanta<\/a> subpar performance since taking over the reins in February 2023. He signed a five-year deal worth $40 million, so he has two seasons and $16 million on his deal.<\/p>\n

Before the season, Bleacher Report<\/a> considered Snyder one of the coaches on the hot seats. The Hawks have made several trades and dealt with a plethora of injuries throughout the season. Still, the Hawks are 36-38 on the season, which is good enough for seventh place in the Eastern Conference. However, that is just the 17th-best record in the league, and their -1.5 point differential ranks 20th.<\/p>\n

Snyder has an 82-94 record in his two-plus seasons at the helm of the Hawks, guiding the team to a 10-11 record and playoff berth in 2022-23. The 58-year-old coach is 454-359, with a 23-34 record in the playoffs in 10-plus seasons. He has never gotten past the conference semifinals.<\/p>\n

Here is the thing: the Hawks don’t have a clear path to get past this mediocre trajectory. The Hawks project to have $7.9 million in cap space with 11 under contract for next season. The Hawks could have two first-round picks, including Sacramento’s top 12 protected, but the biggest question surrounds Trae Young<\/a>. Over the last two years, the Hawks have been 55-67, with Young on the court and 16-17 in games he has sat out.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

Could see this one go either way. The money the Hawks<\/a> owe Snyder could be a major factor in keeping him. If the Hawks make the playoffs with all the adversity they have faced this year, he deserves another year.<\/p>\n

Chicago Bulls<\/h3>\n

Billy Donovan<\/a> has been on the proverbial hot seat for the past two-plus seasons. The 59-year-old is an outstanding coach who has kept Chicago<\/a> afloat over the years despite the team lacking superior talent and being besieged by injuries. Before the NBA all-star break, Joe Crowley of the Chicago Sun-Times<\/a> said that Donovan is well-respected by Bulls management and ownership. Before starting the 2022-23 season, Donovan signed a multi-year contract extension on his original deal that didn’t run out until 2024.<\/p>\n

Chicago (33-42) has won nine of its last 13.\u00a0 The Bulls are close to clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament for the third straight year.<\/p>\n

Donovan is 189-204 in five seasons in Chicago, though the Bulls have made just one playoff appearance. He owns a 432-361\u00a0 career coaching record.<\/p>\n

Last Word:<\/h4>\n

Donovan appears safe as long as Bulls ‘ ownership doesn’t replace vice president Arturas Karnisovas or general manager Marc Eversley.\u00a0 If they make a front office change in the offseason, then Donovan’s situation will be worth monitoring.<\/p>\n

Orlando Magic<\/h4>\n

Jahmal Mosley<\/a> has done a phenomenal job with the up-and-coming Magic. But Orlando<\/a> has taken a step back, and their multitude of injuries has a lot to do with it. Still, the Magic are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 36-40 record. Last year, they had their most productive season since 2012, when they snapped a three-season playoff drought.<\/p>\n

Mosley led Orlando to more wins than the Magic accrued the previous season in each of his first three years. However, the 46-year-old has just 139-183 in his three-plus seasons. He signed a contract extension last March that runs through the 2027-28 season.<\/p>\n

Last Word:<\/h4>\n

It is possible that Orlando’s brass may believe that a more experienced coach would help develop the Magic’s youngsters a little faster, But that seems unlikely at this time, particularly with his contract extension. Expect Mosely to return.<\/p>\n

Sacramento Kings<\/h4>\n

Doug Christie<\/a> is on the list by default. Christie has been outstanding for the Kings since taking over three months ago on an interim basis.<\/p>\n

Sacramento<\/a> has struggled recently and is fighting to stay in the Play-In Tournament. The Kings (36-39), who have lost 11 of their last 15 games, are in 10th place in the West. They are one and one-half games in front of 11th-place Phoenix and one-half games behind ninth-place Dallas.<\/p>\n

Sacramento’s record is 23-21 under Christie. The Kings are among the highest-scoring teams of the better shooting squads under Christie. Comparing the Kings before Mike Brown<\/a> and Christie, they were five games through 31 under Brown while being two games above .500 under Christie. While the Kings have been better offensively under Christie, they have been worse on the defensive end.<\/p>\n

Last Word:<\/h4>\n

Christie has done a fine job with the Kings and is very familiar with the organization. While the Kings could ultimately decide not to retain the 54-year-old, expect them to retain him even if they miss the Play-In Tournament. Christie only had De’Aaron Fox<\/a> for 14 games of his tenure. Also, Malik Monk<\/a> and Domantas Sabonis<\/a> have missed seven and nine games, respectively, under Christie. Jonas Valanciunas<\/a> and Zach LaVine<\/a> have played 24 games since joining the team.<\/p>\n

Phoenix Suns<\/h3>\n

Mike Budenholzer<\/a>‘s first year couldn’t have gone worse. After beginning the season at 9-2, the Suns’ campaign has really tanked. The Suns sit in 11th place in the West at 35-40.<\/p>\n

Budenholzer is one of the league’s most successful active coaches. The 55-year-old owns a 519-357 overall and a 56-48 playoff record. He has led his teams to six division titles and nine playoff appearances, winning the 2021 title.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

Not sure how much of the Suns’ disastrous season has been Budenholzer’s fault. But he could ultimately pay the price, though there have been rumors throughout the season that the Suns could break up the Big 3.\u00a0 He will have four years and $40 million left<\/a> on his deal.<\/p>\n

Portland Trail Blazers<\/h4>\n

Portland<\/a> took a chance on Chauncey Billups<\/a> four seasons ago. The Trail Blazers likely will finish outside the top 10 in the Western Conference for the fourth consecutive season. They currently sit in 12th place in the conference with a 33-42 record, four games behind 10th-place Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Here is the thing: The Trail Blazers haven’t given Billups a fair chance, as they have been in rebuild mode since taking over the helm. At the same time, the Blazers haven’t won 40 games in a season over the last four years and are 113-208 during Billups’ tenure. Billups has a club option for the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

Portland has shown some ability to be a competitive team this season and does have some young talent. The Trail Blazers are 9-11 since the post-All-Star break. Deni Avdija<\/a> has upped his production in the second half of the season. In contrast, Anfernee Simons<\/a>, who has been solid all season long, Shaedon Sharpe<\/a>, and Donovan Clingan<\/a> have also shown improvement.<\/p>\n

Portland could choose to pick up Billups’ option, which is probably the most prudent way to handle things. That would give the Blazers extra time to determine their future direction. Or the Blazers could give him a contract extension.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s done a great job,\u201d general manager Joe Cronin told Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian<\/a>. \u201cThis year, it was take steps.” And player development is obviously critical for us, as we have so many young guys. And I\u2019m really proud about the growth that we\u2019ve seen from really every guy. And then, how do you merge that into a team environment to start really establishing the style of play that he wants to play? ”<\/p>\n

Fentress said Billups and the Trail Blazers have checked all four boxes, and Cronin said he would like to see improvement this season.<\/p>\n

“Cronin stated before the season, and since, that he wanted to see fewer blowout losses, improved defense, the establishment of team identity, and player development.”<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs<\/h3>\n

The big question is, will Gregg Popovich<\/a> return to the sidelines? Popovich has been recovering from a mild stroke since stepping away from the team in early November.<\/p>\n

According to Hoop Wire Sam Amico<\/a> recently, “People around the league have told Hoops Wire that Popovich is likely to focus on his health moving forward.” Therefore, the presumption is that Popovich isn’t going to return to the sidelines. That doesn’t mean the 76-year-old is done with the basketball as Amico revealed, “Others have suggested that if Popovich does get out of coaching (and perhaps into the front office full-time).”<\/p>\n

Amico added that interim coach Mitch Johnson<\/a> could get the full-time gig if Popovich doesn’t return. The Spurs are 29-40 since the 38-year-old took over the reins.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

Hopefully, Popovich will not return to the sidelines. If Popovich doesn’t return, expect the Spurs to perform a national search. That doesn’t mean that Johnson won’t get a shot at the full-time gig. However, the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, will be a highly sought-after job. Amico mentioned former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins as a potential candidate.<\/p>\n

New Orleans Pelicans<\/h3>\n

Willie Green<\/a> will likely be out at New Orleans after this season. Like Snyder, Donovan, and Billups, Green was put on the hot seat<\/a> before the season began.\u00a0 Green reportedly has multiple years<\/a> left on his contract.<\/p>\n

Green has done a solid job with New Orleans, leading the Pelicans to two playoff berths in his four seasons. The 43-year-old is 148-173 during his tenure, including 21-54 with a -8.6 scoring margin this season, though he owns just a 2-8 postseason record. The bigger issue is that expectations were much higher for New Orleans, which traded for Dejounte Murray<\/a> before the season.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

It would be unfortunate if Green were fired after this season. Green has done an outstanding job with the Pelicans. posting two winning seasons. Before Green’s tenure, the Pelicans’ last winning season occurred during the 2017-18 campaign.<\/p>\n

Utah Jazz<\/h3>\n

Utah has trended downward since Will Hardy<\/a> took over the Jazz prior to the 2021 season. After winning 37 games in Hardy’s first season, the Jazz won 31 contests a year ago. This season, the Jazz are tied with Washington for the worst record in the NBA with 16 victories (16-60). They have also been outscored by 8.6 points per game.<\/p>\n

Hardy is 84-156 with the Jazz. His fifth-year option was picked up before the start of training camp this year.<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/strong>We love Will,\u201d<\/strong> Jazz CEO Danny Ainge said after Hardy’s option<\/a> was picked up. \u201cWe love the direction he is going. We love the teammate he is. He\u2019s really excited this year to have a chance to develop these young players. We\u2019re excited he\u2019s a part of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h3>\n

With Utah picking up Hardy’s option, it is unlikely that Ainge has fallen “out of love” with Hardy. While it is likely that the 37-year-old will return to Salt Lake City, it wouldn’t be a surprise that the Jazz decide to part ways after a disastrous season.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia 76ers<\/h4>\n

Philadelphia has been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season. The 76ers have been eliminated from the playoffs and have the fifth-worst record in the league, at 23-52.<\/p>\n

Granted, the Sixers were expected to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference after acquiring Paul George<\/a>. However, injuries to George, Joel Embiid<\/a>, and Tyrese Maxey<\/a> derailed those plans. The Sixers were just 6-8 when the 76ers’ Big 3 played together.<\/p>\n

This year notwithstanding,\u00a0 Nick Nurse<\/a> is a legitimate NBA coach. The 57-year-old is 297-250 in seven seasons in the league, posting five winning campaigns, including four seasons of 45+ victories. He is also an NBA champion with a 27-20 playoff record.<\/p>\n

Nurse reportedly signed a four-year deal when he took over<\/a> after the 76ers fired Doc Rivers<\/a>. Therefore, he would still have two years and $16 million left on the deal.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

There is some belief that Philadelphia will part ways with Nurse. While not necessarily a fan of Nurse, he likely deserves the benefit of the doubt. Plus, it could also depend on what moves the Sixers make. In other words, do they bring back Embiid and George or deal them? If they bring those two back, then the Sixers may cut ties.<\/p>\n

Washington Wizards<\/h3>\n

Don’t see Washington making a change. The Wizards were not competitive last season and have been slightly better this season. But the Wizards are very young and lack overall talent.<\/p>\n

Brian Keefe<\/a> is likely not ready to be an NBA head coach, especially one like the Wizards. Given the Wizards’ current state and the fact that they just made him a full-time coach this offseason, it would be difficult for Washington to replace the 48-year-old. Keefe likely has at least two more seasons on his contract, which paid him $4 million this season.<\/p>\n

“We are excited for Brian to become our next head coach. Brian is a proven motivator and connector of people,” general manager Will Dawkins said<\/a>. “As a leader in the organization, he will continue to positively grow and invest into the development of our players. His wealth of experience will help move our team forward as we build for long-term sustained success.”<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

Don’t expect Washington to make a coaching change. The Wizards will enter the 2025-26 season on a four-year playoff drought. The Wizards’ last winning season occurred in 2017-18.<\/p>\n

Charlotte Hornets<\/h4>\n

Like Washington, don’t expect Charlotte to dismiss first-year head coach Charles Lee.<\/a> The Hornets have struggled this year and currently have two fewer wins than last season. While the Hornets have been slightly worse offensively under Lee than under Steve Clifford, they\u00a0have also been better defensively. Of course, injuries to LaMelo Ball<\/a>, Mark Williams<\/a>, Grant Williams<\/a>, and Brandon Miller<\/a> have helped derail the Hornets’ campaign.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h3>\n

Lee is probably the safest of the 12 coaches listed. However, before all the injuries, the Hornets had designs to make a run at the playoffs this year. Without another playoff berth, the Hornets’ playoff drought has now increased to nine straight years. They have also only posted one winning campaign during this nine-year stretch.<\/p>\n

Dallas Mavericks<\/h3>\n

A surprising rumor circulated recently that Jason Kidd<\/a> could get the ax despite leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season. The Mavericks are under new ownership, but the 52-year-old signed a multi-year extension last May.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are excited to have Coach Kidd continue to lead our team throughout the coming years with this well-earned contract extension,\u201d stated Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont<\/a> at the time of the agreement. \u201cKidd led our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, and we are looking forward to his leadership in continuing to build and grow this already great franchise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h4>\n

Kidd is more than likely to walk away from the Mavericks and then get fired, but that is also unlikely.<\/p>\n

Kidd has done a fantastic job this season keeping the Mavericks in contention for a Western Conference Play-In spot; they are currently ninth at 37-39. Overall, Kidd is 177-145 in nearly four seasons with the Mavs and 22-18 in the playoffs,<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: \u00a9 Alonzo Adams, Imagn Image<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The clock on NBA coaches got started earlier than expected. While the Memphis Grizzlies’ dismissal of Taylor Jenkins on Friday surprised some, it reiterates the tenuous position that NBA coaches are in. Analyzing The 13 NBA Teams Who Could Be Looking For A New Head Coach This Offseason Jenkins did a phenomenal job helping Memphis […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":132309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1608,7,8,62,17,28,23,29,34,14,24,18],"tags":[545,49039,49160,115,204,5019,218,1612,3840,4736,49120],"class_list":["post-129665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hawks","category-basketball","category-hornets","category-bulls","category-nba","category-magic","category-suns","category-trailblazers","category-kings","category-spurs","category-raptors","category-jazz","category-wizards","tag-billy-donovan","tag-brian-keefe","tag-charles-lee","tag-chauncey-billups","tag-gregg-popovich","tag-jamahl-mosley","tag-jason-kidd","tag-nick-nurse","tag-taylor-jenkins","tag-will-hardy","tag-willie-green"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=129665"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":132316,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129665\/revisions\/132316"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/132309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=129665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=129665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=129665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}