Steve Nash has parted ways with the Brooklyn Nets. He has been with the Nets since 2020 in his role as head coach. He will be replaced by Jacques Vaughn in the interim while a permanent replacement is decided on. The Brooklyn Nets love NYC, and if you’re a die hard Nets fan, you’re probably asking yourself, why did the Nets fire head coach Steve Nash?
Why Did the Nets Fire Steve Nash?
While Nash has been generally thought of as a “player’s coach” he did come with a lot of inexperience. His talent as a player can’t be questioned but this was his first job as a head coach.
Nash had a winning percentage, having won around 60% of his games as the HC. However, his time with the Nets has been tumultuous at best. He has dealt with a plethora of injuries as well as other issues stemming from the acquisition and departure of James Hardin and Kyrie Irving’s refusal to be vaccinated.
It was reported during the off-season that Kevin Durant, widely considered one of the best players in the game, had asked for a trade. This was part of an ultimatum that Durant wanted the team to choose between himself and HC Nash and General Manager Sean Marks.
However, about a month later, the team refused to deal Durant and the three seemed to settle their issues. The Nets moved into this season with Durant, Nash, and Marks all still in place.
The season hasn’t started well. Seth Curry has been injured and Ben Simmons has struggled. Both players were part of the blockbuster trade deal that saw the departure of James Harden who didn’t work out any better for the Nets.
Who is the Brooklyn Nets New Coach?
So the Nets fired Head Coach Steve Nash…the big question is, who will be their new coach? The new interim Head Coach of the Brooklyn Nets is Jacques Vaughn. Vaughn is a former McDonald’s All-American MVP and two-time all-conference selection at the University of Kansas. He played in the NBA, including two seasons with the Nets from 2004 to 2006.
Vaughn served as the head coach of the Orlando Magic before eventually finding his way to the Nets. He has served mostly as the team’s top assistant. He also served as the interim head coach between the departure of Kenny Atkinson and Steve Nash.
Will the Nets Hire a New Head Coach?
It remains to be seen exactly how fast the Nets will move to replace Nash permanently. The last time Vaughn was named as an interim coach it was mostly during the off-season. While he is very familiar with the team, it will be a delicate balance determining whether bringing in yet a third coach during a single season would be productive for the Nets.
Hiring a head coach is difficult and usually involves an extensive and lengthy search and interview process. However, since there are issues stemming from last summer likely involved in Nash’s departure, it is possible the Nets have already had their eye on someone.
Who Will Replace Fired Head Coach Steve Nash in Brooklyn?
Ime Udoka is considered the most likely replacement for the departing Steve Nash. Although the hiring hasn’t happened just yet, many sports outlets consider it a foregone conclusion.
Udoka is the former Boston Celtics head coach. He is currently serving a suspension in Boston and the team is not believed to be holding him back from another job. He has been with Boston for just one season. In that season he helped the team to the finals and had a record of 67 – 39.
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