Top candidates to replace Jason Kidd as Mavericks head coach

New Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is making some changes to the team after a disappointing 2025 NBA season, starting with the decision to move on from Jason Kidd as head coach. That has coincidentally now become one of the most closely watched vacancies in the league.

Kidd, who led Dallas to the NBA Finals just two seasons ago, is now out as the franchise enters a new phase under its current leadership structure. With the Mavericks eliminated from the 2026 postseason and multiple other coaching jobs already open around the league, the search for his replacement is expected to move quickly.

Early indications suggest Dallas will consider a mix of internal continuity, proven NBA head coaches, and rising assistants who have been waiting for their first opportunity.

Here are the early names emerging as potential candidates.

1. Sean Sweeney – Internal favorite and leading contender

One of the strongest early candidates is expected to be Sean Sweeney, who previously served as a key assistant under Kidd in Dallas before joining the San Antonio Spurs in a promotion.

Sweeney is widely respected for his defensive system work and player development, and his familiarity with the Mavericks’ roster and internal structure gives him an immediate advantage.

League chatter suggests he is already a “leader in the clubhouse” type candidate, especially given his prior success within the organization and growing reputation across multiple coaching searches.

A return to Dallas as head coach would represent both continuity and promotion, a combination teams often favor in stable but underperforming situations.

2. Frank Vogel – Championship experience and immediate credibility

Frank Vogel is another strong name linked to the vacancy, having served as an assistant under Kidd in Dallas this past season. More importantly, Vogel brings proven championship pedigree, having led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA title in 2020.

While his recent head coaching stints have been inconsistent, Vogel remains respected for his defensive structure and ability to manage veteran-heavy rosters, traits that could appeal to a Mavericks team as they look to find stability again, and quickly.

His existing ties inside the organization make him a natural transition candidate.

3. Nick Nurse – High-profile “big swing” option

If Dallas decides to pursue a marquee coaching name, Nick Nurse is one of the most intriguing possibilities. Currently with the Philadelphia 76ers, Nurse is a championship-winning coach who guided the Toronto Raptors to the 2019 NBA title.

His tactical flexibility and playoff experience make him one of the most respected coaches in the league, though prying him away from an active contract situation would likely be complicated. Still, Nurse represents the type of proven winner teams consider when aiming to re-enter contention quickly.

4. Billy Donovan – Experienced NBA stabilizer

Billy Donovan is also expected to generate consideration as an available veteran coach with extensive NBA and college success. Donovan has coached multiple NBA franchises and built his reputation through strong player development and steady regular-season competitiveness.

While his teams have not consistently broken through in the playoffs, he remains viewed as a coach capable of stabilizing a roster and maximizing talent, something Dallas may prioritize depending on their long-term direction. He also has familiarity with high-pressure environments from his championship runs at Florida.

5. Micah Nori – Longtime assistant ready for first job

Another name gaining traction is Micah Nori, currently a lead assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nori has been considered a head coaching candidate for several cycles due to his work on successful staffs and reputation around the league as a strong communicator and culture builder.

With Minnesota making deep postseason runs in recent years, his profile has only grown, and many around the league believe he is overdue for a head coaching opportunity. Dallas could view him as a developmental yet structured option who brings modern continuity without requiring a full organizational overhaul.

Other names to monitor

Beyond the top five, the Mavericks are also expected to evaluate additional candidates, including assistant coaches and potential external surprises as the market develops. Some of the other names floating around as potential options include James Borrego, Dave Bliss, Todd Golden, and Tom Thibodeau.

As with most NBA coaching searches, the early list is likely to expand quickly once formal interviews begin.

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