Cavaliers HC Rumors: Interim Coach Larry Drew Not Among 6 Candidates Targeted

Cleveland Cavaliers interim head coach Larry Drew is reportedly "not believed to be a serious candidate" for the team's head coaching position after the season, according to Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic.

And the feeling appears to be mutual. 

"I don't know if I ever want to be a head coach again after this year," Drew told Vardon and Lloyd.

The Cavaliers are mired in a 9-40 season in their first year since LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency over the summer. And with Kevin Love injured for much of the year, players like George Hill and Kyle Korver traded and JR Smith remaining on the roster but away from the team, the tank has been on as the Cavaliers evaluate their younger players. 

Cleveland has also had to deal with significant injuries beyond Love, limiting its depth.

"I've never been with a team that has had this amount of injuries," Drew noted. "You know with a rebuild, particularly if you've got young guys, you want them to play and get experience and you live with the mistakes they make as they continue to learn and continue to grow. But when you throw in injuries with that, that can kind of put you in a tailspin, which is what it has done to me."

It appears the Cavaliers are seeking a coach to fit with their rebuilding plans as well. According to Vardon and Lloyd, the Cavs will reportedly target "a first-time NBA head coach with experience developing players and/or coaching in the G League, multiple sources with knowledge of their thinking said."

Candidates may include Denver Nuggets assistant Jordi Fernandez, Charlotte Hornets assistant Steve Hetzel, Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin, Atlanta Hawks assistant Chris Jent, Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley and Utah Jazz assistant Alex Jensen, per that report, who all have various connections to Cavs general manager Koby Altman.

Given their rebuilding state, it's fair to question whether Love will remain in the Cavaliers' plans. His current toe injury means he probably won't be on the move this season, but he could be an interesting trade chip over the offseason.

Regardless of roster decisions, it's fairly obvious Drew won't be coaching the Cavaliers beyond this season.

"I wasn't looking to do this. I was not looking to do this at all," Drew said. "But it happened. Ain't a whole lot you can do about it."