Sacramento Kings to look for new head coach

The Sacramento Kings have announced that they will be letting go of interim head coach Alvin Gentry, and that they will launch their search for a new head coach.

The Kings will cast a wide net, and will look at prospects who have had success in converting draft lottery teams to playoff-caliber squads.

Former head coaches top list of candidates

Among those reportedly on the list are former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson, former Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown, former Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford, New Orleans Pelicans coaching advisor Mike D’Antoni, and former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stots, among others.

Gentry was installed as Sacramento’s interim head coach after the Kings fired Luke Walton in November, and has one year left on his contract. He was the New Orleans Pelicans head coach for five years then was sacked in 2020, after which he became Sacramento’s associate head coach.

Sacramento Kings look to end postseason drought

The Kings stood at 6-11 when Gentry took over in November, then the team had a 24-41 record under his leadership. Sacramento looked like they could have a shot at the Play-in Tournament, but was shut out on April 1.

“The entire Kings organization is grateful for the leadership of Alvin Gentry, who stepped up when he got the call mid-season,” according to a statement by Sacramento general manager Monte McNair.

“We appreciate his leadership on and off the court.”

Gentry had expressed that he wished to stay on as the team’s head coach, though he acknowledged that he was aware the organization would make a decision quickly after the regular season ended. He may stay on with the franchise in a front-office capacity.

The Kings are desperate to end their playoff drought that has lasted for 16 years. This is the longest active streak in the league.