Brooklyn Nets Make Decision On New Head Coach

After the firing of Steve Nash a week and a half ago, many people were left shaking their heads when it leaked out almost immediately that the Brooklyn Nets were on the verge of naming the shamed and suspended Ime Udoka as their new head coach. 

But reports started to swirl a couple of days ago that pressure from within and outside of the organization had made them rethink that questionable decision. And indeed, the Nets have instead decided to name interim coach Jacques Vaughn their new full-time head coach. 

Jacque Vaughn is formally introduced as the Nets' head coach, per @ShamsCharania 👏 pic.twitter.com/zuoSx9kA0R

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 9, 2022

The Nets have gone 2-2 under Vaughn thus far and have looked extremely competitive with a lot more fire in their belly than they had previously. They've held opponents under 100 points for three straight games —the only three games they've done that this season (and yes, Kyrie Irving has also missed those three games). 

In their announcement, general manager Sean Marks said that Vaughn is "clear-cut best person to lead our group moving forward."

Nets GM Sean Marks says Jacque Vaughn is the ‘clear-cut best person to lead our group moving forward.’ Nets named Vaughn permanent head coach today: pic.twitter.com/pbSPIt2qoa

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 9, 2022

“He has a proven ability to get the best out of our players, hold them accountable and play a cohesive, team-first style of basketball," added Marks.

Bringing in Udoka – whom the Celtics suspended for a full year after a reported improper relationship with a female Celtics staffer, among other transgressions – would have simply added to the swirl of controversy already surrounding the team over Irving's antisemitic film promotion and resulting suspension.

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports