Brooklyn Nets Appoint Jordi Fernandez as New Head Coach

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Brooklyn Nets are set to hire Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez as their next head coach. At just 41 years old, Fernandez has quickly risen through the NBA coaching ranks.

Previously, Fernandez spent six years with the Denver Nuggets under Michael Malone before becoming the associate head coach for the Kings under Mike Brown for the 2022-23 season. During his time with the Kings, he contributed significantly to the team's successful transformation into a contender. He also serves as the head coach of Canada's national basketball team and recently led them to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The Nets have experienced considerable coaching changes in recent years. Kenny Atkinson was the first coaching hire by Sean Marks for Brooklyn but was let go during the 2018-19 season as the team moved from rebuilding to competing with stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Steve Nash succeeded him but lasted just longer than two seasons before being replaced. Jacque Vaughn then stepped in, but his tenure ended in February after the team underperformed, falling well below expectations.


Fernandez joins the Nets during a period of transition. Key players such as Durant, Irving, and James Harden have departed, and the team now focuses on developing young talent and leveraging a wealth of draft picks obtained from trading these stars. While lacking a foundational star, Brooklyn is poised to rebuild, with Donovan Mitchell often mentioned as a potential acquisition whose offensive prowess would complement defensive players like Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton. With Bridges under a value contract for two more years, the Nets have a critical window to enhance their roster significantly.

As the new head coach, Fernandez takes on a highly coveted role, his reputation enhanced by his impressive performance at the World Cup and previous interviews for several head coaching positions. This appointment marks his debut as an NBA head coach.

Source CBS Sports: Nets to hire Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez as next head coach, per report
Source RealGM: Nets To Hire Jordi Fernandez As Head Coach