Sacramento Kings lead assistant coach Jordi Fernandez is set to become the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
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. pic.twitter.com/VHqXY9AYsb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
Fernandez has been Mike Brown’s lead assistant in Sacramento for the last two seasons, and his departure will be a big loss for the Kings going into next season. But Jordi has absolutely earned this opportunity, and I’m thrilled to see him get his well-deserved shot at a head coaching role.
Fernandez joined the Kings from Michael Malone’s staff with the Denver Nuggets, and has also served as head coach for the Canadian National team. We Kings fans knew he was likely gone with this summer, and it’s no surprise he’s one of the first candidates snatched up in the coaching carousel. He had also been named as a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets job.
The Kings still maintain a strong bench even after losing Fernandez. Jay Triano seems like a likely candidate to be elevated to the top assistant role, with other internal promotions down the line. Lindsey Harding, also a candidate for the Hornets job, could also potentially return to Sacramento from Stockton for a bigger role. But those decisions will likely come after the dust has settled from the play-in and (hopefully) the playoffs.
For now, we say congratulations to Jordi! Hate to see him go, but excited for his continued success.
