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The Nets are moving on from head coach Steve Nash.
The team announced on Tuesday that the two sides have agreed to part ways after Brooklyn’s dismal 2-5 start to the season.
Jacque Vaughn will be the interim head coach for the Nets. Vaughn previously served as interim coach in 2020, replacing Kenny Atkinson.
Nash compiled a 94-67 record as Nets’ head coach since 2020, but failed to deliver his team deep into the postseason despite championship aspirations. The Nets looks in the Eastern Conference semis in Nash’s rookie season then were swept out of the playoffs in the first round this spring.
The Nets were Nash’s first coaching gig at any level.
The 48-year-old released a statement on Twitter after his firing.
“A very heartfelt thanks to Joe and Ciara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets,” Nash tweeted. “It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Nash’s tenure as head coach was filled with more drama than success. Star player Kevin Durant demanded that he either be traded or Nash (and Marks) be fired. Ultimately, the two-time NBA Finals MVP backed off his demands and returned for a fourth year with the Nets.
Recently, star point guard Kyrie Irving has made headlines for tweeting a link to an anti-semitic movie, further feeding into the narrative that Nash is unable to handle star players.
Nets’ GM Sean Marks added his two cents on ultimately pulling the plug on Nash.
“Personally this was an immensely difficult decision,” said Marks. “However, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time.”
Marks acknowledged the controversy surrounding the franchise in his statement.
“Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure.”
With Nash’s exit, the Nets will temporarily hand the keys over to Vaughn. However, that is expected to be a short-term move as the team is reportedly moving quickly to bring in suspended Celtics’ head coach Ime Udoka. Udoka is currently sitting out the entire 2022-23 NBA season due to violating Celtics’ team policy after having a relationship with a female staffer. The Celtics reportedly will not stand in his way of leaving the organization.
The Nets take on the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.
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