NBA free agent coaches 2024: List of all coaches who are available
As jobs continue to get filled, there are still a wide range of NBA free agent coaches on the market. The group includes people in all different kinds of situations. Some are just trying to break into coaching, while others are longtime assistants or those who were recently fired from a previous position.
One organization that is still keeping a close eye on NBA free agent coaches is the LA Lakers. News emerged Monday afternoon that UConn's Dan Hurley has declined their sizable offer. Now, the Lakers must continue their search for a replacement for Darvin Ham.
As the coaching carousel continues in the league, here are some of the top candidates still without head coaching jobs.
2024 NBA free agent coaches (no particular order/ranking):
1) Kenny Atkinson
Among the notable NBA free agent coaches is Kenny Atkinson. During his run with the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets, he posted a 118-190 record. Following his run as head coach, Atkinson has been learning under Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors.
2) Terry Stotts
Among the veteran options in the coaching market is Terry Stotts. He's been coaching in the league since 1994 as either an assistant or head coach.
Stotts is most known for his run with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he won over 400 games across nine seasons. He also led the team to the Western Conference finals in 2021.
3) Dave Joerger
Another one of the NBA free agent coaches with a good amount of experience is Dave Joerger. He's had brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings in the past. Joerger most recently worked alongside Doc Rivers as an assistant on the Philadelphia 76ers.
As a head coach, Joerger has a record of 245-247.
4) Sam Cassell
While he's never been named a head coach, Sam Cassell might have some of the most experience of any of the NBA free agent coaches. Along with playing in the league for 15 years, he's been a longtime assistant in the league.
Cassell is a prime example of an NBA lifer. As a player, he was a one-time All-Star and three-time champion. Since retiring in 2008, Cassell has been an assistant for the Washington Wizards, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics.
5) Mark Jackson
It's been some time since he's been in coaching, but Mark Jackson is a free agent with experience. Similar to Cassell, he enjoyed a long run in the NBA as a player. After that, he went on to post a 121-109 record in three seasons as head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
6) James Borrego
After nearly a decade of being an assistant, James Borrego got an extended chance at being a head coach with the Charlotte Hornets. Across four seasons, he went 148-183 before eventually being dismissed in 2022.
Since being let go from the Hornets, Borrego has been an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans.
7) JJ Redick
One of the most notable names among NBA free agent coaches is JJ Redick. A few years removed from his playing days, teams have eyed the longtime sharpshooter to coach them.
Redick moved into a broadcasting role following retirement. However, he interviewed for the Hornets and has consistently been tied to the Lakers.
8) Mike D'Antoni
Another veteran coach who isn't far removed from the league is Mike D'Antoni. He last held a position in 2021 as an assistant for the Brooklyn Nets.
D'Antoni is most known for his runs as coach with the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. For his career, he has a regular season record of 672-527 and a playoff record of 54-56.
9) Frank Vogel
Among the recent NBA free agent coaches is Frank Vogel. After just one season with the Suns, the organization decided to move on from him. Phoenix had high expectations with their star trio and went on to be swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Vogel has had success in the past as a head coach. Most notably with the LA Lakers, where he helped deliver a championship in 2020.
10) J.B. Bickerstaff
Another coach who hit the market this offseason is J.B. Bickerstaff. The Cleveland Cavaliers dismissed him after going 170-159 across five seasons.
Before arriving in Cleveland, Bickerstaff had short runs as head coach with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. He also has experience as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves.