ESPN Sources: Jordi Fernandez has emerged as the Brooklyn Nets’ choice to become the franchise’s next coach, separating himself in a wide, month-long search that now has the Nets prepared to hire the Sacramento Kings’ top assistant.
Jordi Fernández emerges as top Contender for Brooklyn Nets Head Coach Position
NBATuesday, 16 April 2024 at 08:40
In a pivotal moment following an exhaustive month-long search, Jordi Fernandez has emerged as the leading choice to become the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, sources close to ESPN have revealed.
The 41-year-old Fernandez has rapidly risen as a coaching prospect over the past two years and is now on the brink of assuming the role of head coach for the Nets, according to insider information.
Fernandez will step into the helm of a Nets franchise that concluded the season with a record of 32 wins and 50 losses under interim coach Kevin Ollie, marking their fifth head coach since 2020.
Brooklyn is presently undergoing a rebuilding phase in the aftermath of the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving era, and the hiring of Fernandez aims to inject new life into a roster featuring talents like Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, Cameron Johnson, and Noah Clowney.
Nets' general manager, Sean Marks, has engaged in meetings with numerous candidates in recent weeks, and Fernandez has made significant strides, culminating in a recent meeting with team owner Joe Tsai, as per sources.
Despite his newfound appointment, Fernandez will continue in his capacity as the coach of the Sacramento Kings for the remainder of the season, confirmed sources. Sacramento will square off against the Warriors on Tuesday in the Western Conference 9-10 tournament play-in game.
Jordi Fernandez played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Mike Brown, who was honored with the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2023, during their tenure with the Kings. Furthermore, Fernandez has been steadily building his candidacy for a head coaching position through his stints in Denver, where he served under Michael Malone for six seasons, and with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His coaching work with Canada's national team at the FIBA 2023 World Cup, where he secured a medal, has garnered the attention of league executives, who regard him as one of the premier young assistants in the NBA.
A native of Barcelona, Spain, Fernandez engaged in interviews last year with teams such as Toronto, Phoenix, and Milwaukee. Prior to this, he has coached in national team programs for Spain and Nigeria.
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