The Dallas Mavericks have officially parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd, just weeks after appointing Masai Ujiri as their new team president, the organization announced on Tuesday.
“Jason has significantly contributed to the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who guided the team back to the NBA Finals,” Ujiri stated. “We are grateful for Jason’s leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the Mavericks. Although my time here has been brief, I’ve developed immense respect for his achievements. Jason will always remain an integral part of the Mavericks family.”
Kidd, who reportedly had four years and over $40 million remaining on his contract, served as the Mavericks’ head coach for five seasons. During his tenure, he led the team to two conference finals and an NBA Finals, achieving an overall record of 205-205. Last season was challenging as Kyrie Irving was sidelined due to an ACL injury, and Anthony Davis was traded. Without the unexpected acquisition of Copper Flagg, the franchise might still be struggling to find direction following Luka Dončić’s trade.
Despite these setbacks, there is renewed optimism for the Mavericks’ future. Ujiri, known for his stabilizing influence, is expected to bring in a new coach who can capitalize on the promising talents of Flagg and the team’s recent No. 9 overall draft pick.
Kidd has faced criticism throughout his coaching career, yet his achievements with the Mavericks are undeniable. The specifics of his involvement in the Dončić trade remain unclear, and he maintains that he was as surprised as anyone by the decision. Furthermore, Kidd had reportedly “expressed a desire” to succeed Nico Harrison as president of basketball operations after Harrison was dismissed in November, but this option was not made available to him, as reported by ESPN.
Ultimately, the Mavericks seem intent on a clean slate, removing key figures from the leadership team responsible for the controversial trade. With Harrison and now Kidd out, the Mavericks are ushering in a new era in Dallas.
Replacement candidates
As established, ousting Kidd was Ujiri’s first big move as team president. His second will be hiring a coach to hopefully shape the future of the Mavericks around Flagg. Here are a few names who could fit the bill.
- Sean Sweeney: Jason Kidd’s longtime assistant coach left in 2025 to serve as the associate head coach with the Spurs under Mitch Johnson. Could Dallas woo him back?
- Tom Thibodeau: If the front office wants to go big-name hunting, the former Knicks coach qualifies.
- Nick Nurse: Sure, he’s still employed by the 76ers, but after president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was fired last week, how much stability is left? Nurse served as the head coach under Ujiri in Toronto when the Raptors won the 2019 championship (and then got fired by him too).
Coaching hot seat
Kidd joins a growing list of coaching changes this offseason. Doc Rivers stepped away from the Milwaukee Bucks and was replaced by Taylor Jenkins, while the New Orleans Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley to replace interim James Borrego, who stepped in midseason after Willie Green was fired.
Elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers all have head coach openings to fill.
