Another NBA head coaching job opened Tuesday night following breaking news out of Dallas. The Dallas Mavericks decided to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd, just one year after the franchise shockingly traded Luka Dončić. Kidd guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals only two seasons ago.
The NBA now has four head coaching vacancies. The Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, and Portland Trail Blazers are all evaluating candidates to fill their openings. Earlier this offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans filled their vacancy by hiring Jamahl Mosley.
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Several strong candidates remain in the mix for Dallas. Here are four names to watch as the Mavericks search for their next head coach:
Sweeney could quickly emerge as the favorite in Dallas. Not only is he one of the hottest candidates in this hiring cycle, but he also has strong ties to the organization. From 2021 to 2025, Sweeney served as an assistant coach under Kidd with the Mavericks.
Sweeney left Dallas to accept a promotion with the San Antonio Spurs, but this opening gives him another potential opportunity. He has also been closely connected to the Bulls’ vacancy.
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Could Sweeney return to Dallas as the franchise’s next head coach?
Donovan built his reputation during a highly successful run as Florida’s head coach before carrying that success into the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although he never reached the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City, he consistently led competitive teams.
His tenure with the Bulls, however, fell short of expectations. Even so, Donovan remains one of the top candidates for the league’s available openings. The key question is whether he can successfully help Dallas retool after struggling to elevate Chicago.
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Bliss has been with the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2018 and has gained valuable experience throughout the organization, including serving as the team’s Summer League head coach. His development work will likely draw attention because of his connection to the rise of two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
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Bliss brings extensive experience and could emerge as a serious candidate not only in Dallas, but across multiple openings around the league. Before joining Oklahoma City, he also served as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks.
Borrego most recently served as the Pelicans’ interim head coach after previously leading the Charlotte Hornets, giving him valuable head coaching experience. While his name may not generate the same level of buzz as some other candidates, he is far from a dark horse option.
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Borrego is widely respected around the league and learned under legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich also faced early challenges before building a dynasty in San Antonio. Dallas could view Borrego as a coach capable of developing a young cornerstone like Cooper Flagg in a similar way Popovich built around Tim Duncan.
