Another coach has been fired which means I am back doing this
https://fanspo.com/nba/s/general/p/lilIp0Ja88v4o2/my-nba-coach-candidate-tier-list-links
This is kinda a shocker, but I have heard rumblings and saw this coming about a day or two before it happened. When you look at it without really keeping up with this, you see a coach who just coached his team to the NBA Finals and then the next season his GM screwed him over by trading his best player, his key cornerstone, for an injury prone Anthony Davis and has struggled fielding a healthy roster since then and missed the playoffs in back to back seasons after making it to the Finals. Now, they hired a new GM and a new President and it is evident the goal is to start fresh. There is nothing wrong with Jason Kidd, and now that opens the door for him to look at the Orlando or Chicago job or just stay out of coaching foe the time being while Dallas rolls with someone new to coach and mold his team around Cooper Flagg (sidenote: wonder if Dirk is his mentor off the court (iykyk)). Based off Ujiri's past hires, I expect this to be someone with ties whether to the Mavericks or to the Raptors and I will sprinkle in some non ties just in case.
The Top Five
Micah Nori, Minnesota Timberwolves (lead assistant; 2021-?)
Nori has been a top candidate for a head coaching job for a while now and everything feels more likely with three jobs open and a possible fourth to open in a few weeks (allegedly). He probably has his choice with any team he wants, but I am leaning towards believing this will likely be Micah's top destination in his eyes. The former Raptors (2009-13) assistant has been at Ant's side from near the beginning of his NBA career and has helped and watched his growth as well which would help Dallas with working with Flagg.
Sean Sweeney, San Antonio Spurs (AHC; 2025-?)
Top candidate for most people and a top candidate for most teams as well, I am less enthusiastic about him in Dallas not because I don't think he would work out (he 100% will) but because I don't see the Mavericks hiring him because he is a Jason Kidd assistant and his coaching style is a lot alike to Kidd and I believe they do want something a little different.
Sam Cassell, Boston Celtics (assistant; 2023-?)
I do not see his name being thrown around as much as it is everywhere else but I have to put him on here just so the Mavericks become the only team not to mention him and they hire him type scenario. We all know who he is and everything, we can move on.
Jama Mahlalela, Toronto Raptors (assistant; 2023-?)
This may be a name you don't recognize but let me put it this way, he has only worked for the Raptors or a team associated with the Raptors or a college in Toronto, besides those two seasons working with the Golden State Warriors and was part of their final NBA Finals. Based off of Masai Ujiri's last two head coaching hires, hiring a Raptors assistant is on brand.
Phil Handy, Dallas Mavericks (assistant; 2025-?)
Speaking of on brand, the last two HC hires in Toronto were elevated from assistant to HC and were already on staff for the Raptors. Handy was a Raptors assistant, won a title there, and is now an assistant with the Mavericks. If Ujiri goes with a current assistant, keep an eye on Phil Handy.
Former Head Coaches
Tom Thibodeau, former Chicago Bulls (2010-15), Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-19), and New York Knicks (2020-25) Head Coach
Personally don't see him getting back in coaching any time soon, but I am seeing a lot more traction in his name lately so I am not going to deny it and be proven wrong just in case.
James Borrego, former Charlotte Hornets Head Coach (2018-22)
To be honest, I am still shocked the Pelicans did not want to keep him. I think Borrego is a good coach who had to deal with a young, inexperienced, immature Hornets team and wasn't able to get them where he needed them to be. The FO there was not be the best either and I feel Dallas would be a better position for him to thrive in this time around.
Tiago Splitter, Portland Trail Blazers (Interim; 2025-26 season only)
Though, still employed as of this moment you are reading this, reports indicate that neither Splitter or Chauncey Billups will be back for the 2026-27 season and why not for Splitter try and line up a new job right away so you don't have to deal with possibly be letting go whoever they hire as the permanent HC.
Two Names To Mention
Todd Golden, Florida (2022-?)
There is traction for him to go to the NBA as a HC, with the Warriors allegedly were wanting to hire Golden if a deal was not met with Kerr. The Mavericks could snag Golden up right now and prevent these "will he, won't he" situations that will drag on until he retires or something happens to his job at Florida.
Dwane Casey, former Toronto Raptors Head Coach (2011-18)
Like I said, Ujiri likes familiarity and why not hire your first HC at Toronto? I seriously don't see that happening but I do see these rumors becoming louder and louder the longer this drags out.
There is yet another coach candidate list. Let me know your thoughts down below in the comment section!