Just seven games into their 2022-23 campaign, the Nets are already looking for a new head coach.
Brooklyn parted ways with Steve Nash on Tuesday, ending the 48-year-old’s tenure before he reached the end of his third season at the helm. He leaves the Nets with a 94-67 overall record after starting 2-5 this season.
MORE: Why did the Nets fire Steve Nash?
Nash released a statement shortly after the team officially announced the mutual decision.
A very heartfelt thanks to [co-owners] Joe and Clara Tsai along with [general manager] Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets. It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.
It was a pleasure to work with the players, performance team and front office everyday. I’m especially grateful to my coaching staff and video room who are a talented group with so much character and professionalism.
Lastly, thanks to Brooklyn and the passionate fans who support this team. Family first and my family has found a home here and LOVES being a part of this beautiful community. I wish the Nest all the success in the world and the Nash’s will be rooting for our team as they turn this season around.
As part of Brooklyn’s press release, Marks and Tsai thanked Nash for his work over two-plus seasons with the Nets.
“Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure,” Marks said. “Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time.”
Who will replace Steve Nash as the Nets’ head coach?
Nets lead assistant coach Jacque Vaughn will fill in as the interim head coach, but he may not be the front office’s top choice to take over on a long-term basis.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Nets are expected to “inquire with suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka and Quin Snyder, among others.” Boston would let Udoka leave for another job, per Wojnarowski.