Report: Nets have 'strong interest' in Tom Thibodeau
The next coach stalking the sideline at Barclays Center could be former Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.
As ESPN's Marc Stein and Mike Mazzeo report, the Nets have "strong interest" in Thibodeau as their new head coach.
Thibodeau made his name first as an assistant with the Boston Celtics team that won the championship in 2008, and later as the hoarse taskmasker that helped lead the Bulls to five consecutive playoff appearances. He's best known for his innovative defensive schemes (he's frequently heard screaming "ICE" from the bench), and he amassed an impressive career record of 255-139.
Related: The Nets prepare to pitch prospective GMs
Logic dictates that the general manager position will be filled before deciding on a coach. To that end, the Nets are also in the midst of a GM search after deposing Billy King. Names like Bryan Colangelo (formerly of the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns), and Danny Ferry (of the Atlanta Hawks) are believed to be in consideration.
Related: What direction will a new GM take the Nets?
Other coaches, most notably Kentucky's John Calipari, have also been linked to the Nets' opening. However, given the calamitous state of the Nets, and his lofty throne atop one of the nation's best NCAA programs, Calipari is seeking somewhere in the neighborhood of $120 million over 10 years, in addition to full control of basketball operations, to relocate to Brooklyn.
Interim head coach Tony Brown is currently leading the team. The Nets have the third-worst record in the league at 11-29.