NBA Rumors: Mark Jackson to Interview for Bucks HC Job; Coached Warriors from 2011-14
Former NBA player, Golden State Warriors head coach and current ESPN analyst Mark Jackson reportedly will interview for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching vacancy, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Per that report, Jackson was a finalist for the Sacramento Kings' head coaching position last offseason before the team hired Mike Brown, who led them to the postseason and won the NBA's Coach of the Year award.
Jackson, 58, was a one-time All-Star during his lengthy career and currently sits sixth all-time in assists (10,334). He then transitioned to broadcasting and eventually coaching, going 121-109 in three seasons with the Dubs.
He also led the team to a pair of playoff appearances early in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson's career.
But he was replaced by Steve Kerr, who went on to lead the Warriors to four titles in an eight-year span, creating the NBA's latest dynasty along the way.
Jackson has since popped up in coaching rumors each offseason but has yet to secure a second NBA head coaching gig. Instead, he's remained a fixture on ESPN's NBA broadcasts as a color commentator.
He made waves recently for accidentally leaving two-time MVP Nikola Jokić off his MVP ballot this season.
"One thing I live by: You make a mistake, you own it," he said in an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio's Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson (h/t ESPN). "Absolute mistake made by me... In thinking how did I make that mistake: You can tell I put one center, two forwards and two guards. So I wasn't even thinking."
"I apologize to the Denver Nuggets," he added. "I apologize to Nikola Jokić, who is not only in the MVP discussion and deserved to be on my ballot, but he is one of the greatest players in the history of this game and a top-10 center of all time. So I own it. If you want to take away my vote or do whatever, more than welcome. I made a mistake."
As for the Bucks, the team will be seeking to replace Mike Budenholzer, who was fired after losing in the first round to the Miami Heat. Budenholzer had gone 271-120 in five seasons, reaching the playoffs in all five of his seasons and winning a title in the 2020-21 campaign.
So long as Giannis Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee, it will be one of the most attractive destinations for a head coach in the NBA.
Other names expected to receive interest from the Bucks include Portland Trail Blazers assistant Scott Brooks, Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin, former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego, Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Milwaukee assistant Charles Lee.
