Jason Kidd Rumors: HC 'a Long Shot' for Cal Job, Prefers NBA amid Lakers Links

Jason Kidd will likely not be returning to his alma mater to take Cal's head coaching opening in part because he never actually graduated from the university.

Jeff Goodman of Stadium reported Kidd is a "longshot" for the vacant position due to the fact he's "a ways" from earning his bachelor's degree. Kidd reportedly prefers to find a coaching job in the NBA, and he's been tied to the Los Angeles Lakers should they move on from Luke Walton.

Kidd, 46, played two seasons at Cal from 1992-94 and led the Golden Bears to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances before entering the 1994 draft.

College head coaches are required to have at least a bachelor's degree in order to obtain a job. It's unclear how close Kidd is to obtaining his diploma, but two years of schooling would leave him at least a couple of semesters away from doing so.

Kidd went 183-190 in four-and-a-half seasons as an NBA coach, most recently with the Milwaukee Bucks. The latter half of his tenure in Milwaukee was particularly rife with frustrations over Kidd's old-school style clashing with players.

"Did I think I lost the locker room? I didn't think I did," Kidd told B/R's Howard Beck. "My style? My voice was only heard when it needed to be heard. I let the other coaches do as much talking as I did, because I knew as a player, if you hear one voice, you can lose the locker room."

Kidd was, however, instrumental in the development of Giannis Antetokounmpo into a superstar and helped lay the groundwork for the team Mike Budenholzer has taken to new heights. It's possible Kidd's demeanor and ability to reach young players would work better at the collegiate game, where turnover would make it less likely he burns players out.

Cal fired Wyking Jones after he posted a 16-47 record in two seasons at the helm.