Detroit Pistons head coach search tracker: Candidates, interviews, updates
The Detroit Pistons are searching for a new head coach to fill the vacancy left by Dwane Casey.
This is expected to be a process that takes many weeks, as the Pistons cast a wide net. They have not hired a new coach since 2018, and general manager Troy Weaver is making his first coaching hire since taking the job in 2020. Expect a thorough process, not a rushed one.
What is Weaver — and vice chairman Arn Tellem and owner Tom Gores — looking for? "For me, I know what this team needs is simple — discipline, development and defense," Weaver said April 11. "That’s going to be the call for the next coach.”
We know the Pistons are interested in a number of candidates, and have already gained permission to interview several coaches under contract with other NBA teams. They are expected to begin interviews this week.
Here's a look at the Pistons' coaching tracker, which we'll keep updated this spring.
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Requested/received permission to interview
• Jarron Collins, New Orleans Pelicans assistant, age 44 (April 17, The Athletic/Stadium): Played 10 seasons in the NBA, won three championships as an assistant with Golden State. Previously a scout with LA Clippers.
• Brian Keefe, Brooklyn Nets assistant, age 46 (April 17, ESPN): Was on OKC's coaching staff while Weaver was in the front office, and Kevin Durant said "he taught me everything I know." Keefe has been an assistant with New York and the LA Lakers, and worked as a video coordinator in San Antonio. Previously a college assistant and played college basketball at UC Irvine and UNLV.
• Chris Quinn, Miami Heat assistant, age 39 (April 15, Bleacher Report/TNT): Spent six seasons in NBA. Has sat on Miami’s bench alongside coach Erik Spoelstra since 2014, and filled in a handful of games as interim coach. Finals appearance in 2020.
• Charles Lee Jr., Milwaukee Bucks assistant, age 38 (April 14, ESPN): Has been an assistant under coach Mike Budenholzer for nine seasons — four with Atlanta from 2014-18, and five with the Bucks, winning a championship in 2021.
• Kevin Ollie, age 50 (April 14, The Athletic): A 13-year NBA veteran who led Connecticut to the 2014 NCAA championship. Stepped down in March as head of coaching and basketball development with Overtime Elite, the start-up program for elite amateur athletes.
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Pistons have known interest/others to watch
• Jay Wright, age 61: Won two NCAA championships in 21 seasons as Villanova head coach. Retired after 2022 season.
• Adrian Griffin, Toronto Raptors assistant, age 48,: Played nine seasons in NBA. Has been on Nick Nurse’s staff in Toronto since 2018. Previous assistant stops were with Oklahoma City, Orlando, Chicago and Milwaukee.
• Ime Udoka, age 45: Played seven seasons in NBA. Led Boston to 2022 NBA Finals appearance, but last summer was suspended for the season and eventually dismissed due to an improper relationship with a Celtics female employee. Previously an assistant in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and San Antonio. Interviewed with the Pistons for coach opening in 2018.
• Jerry Stackhouse, Vanderbilt head coach, age 48: Played 18 seasons in NBA, including parts of five for Pistons. Served on Casey’s staff from 2015-16, then was promoted to head coach of G League affiliate, Raptors 905, from 2016-18.
• Rex Kalamian, Pistons assistant, age 55: Acted as interim coach on several occasions during the past two seasons when Casey had to take an absence. Previously coached with LA Clippers, Denver, Minnesota, Sacramento, Oklahoma City and Toronto.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons head coach search: Candidates, interviews, updates
