The Raptors are on the hunt for a new head coach, following the departure of Nick Nurse last week. The search is expected to be extensive, with the team considering candidates from the NBA, NCAA, WNBA, and overseas.
Several top assistant coaches have already been granted permission to interview for the role, including Sacramento’s Jordi Fernandez.
According to Marc J. Spears, the Raptors have already interviewed Fernandez, who is currently serving as the associate head coach of the Kings.
Fernandez began his NBA coaching career in 2009 with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a player development coach, where he worked with stars such as LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
He later became the head coach of the Canton Charge in the NBA Development League, and then an assistant coach with the Nuggets before joining the Kings.
Fernandez is highly regarded by players and coaches alike, with Nuggets head coach Michael Malone saying, “I think one day Jordi will be a head coach in this league.”
Other candidates reportedly being considered for the Raptors’ head coaching position include Warriors’ Kenny Atkinson, Bucks’ Charles Lee, Suns’ Kevin Young, Spurs’ Mitch Johnson, Grizzlies’ Darko Rajakovic, Heat’s Chris Quinn, and Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon.
The Raptors’ coaching search comes after a disappointing season, in which the team finished with a 41-41 record and lost in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
