Report: Jackson, Brown, Clifford finalists for Kings' coaching vacancy

Former Golden State Warriors coach and current ESPN game analyst Mark Jackson is a finalist for the Sacramento Kings' head coaching vacancy, sources tell The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Current Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown and Brooklyn Nets consultant Steve Clifford join Jackson on the shortlist, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Jackson, 57, coached the Warriors from 2011 to 2014. He compiled a 121-109 (.526) record and helped shepherd the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green toward NBA stardom.

The 52-year-old Brown has had three head coaching stints - two with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-10 and 2013-14) and one with the Los Angeles Lakers (2011-12) - compiling a 347-216 (.616) record overall and leading his teams to the postseason six times.

Clifford patrolled the sidelines for the Charlotte Hornets from 2013 to 2018 and the Orlando Magic from 2018 to 2021. The 60-year-old has a 292-345 (.458) coaching record but lifted his teams to playoff appearances in four of his eight seasons.

The Kings began last season with Luke Walton as head coach but dismissed him after a 6-11 start. Veteran bench boss Alvin Gentry took over on an interim basis, coaching Sacramento to a 24-41 record over the final 65 games. The franchise didn't retain the 67-year-old.

Including interim promotions, the Kings have had 11 different head coaches since Rick Adelman left the team in 2006. Adelman's tenure featured playoff appearances in all eight seasons - including a conference finals run in 2002. Sacramento hasn't returned to the postseason since he left, and the franchise broke the NBA record for longest playoff drought with its 16th consecutive failure this season.