Mavericks dismiss Kidd as Ujiri finalises organisational overhaul
Team president Masai Ujiri ends Jason Kidd’s tenure, with San Antonio Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney emerging as the leading candidate for the vacancy.
The Dallas Mavericks have dismissed head coach Jason Kidd, a decision executed by team president Masai Ujiri. The move concludes a comprehensive restructuring of the franchise’s basketball operations, following the earlier termination of general manager Nico Harrison in November 2025 and Ujiri’s assumption of the presidency in May 2026. Kidd, who held a 205-205 record with the franchise, was replaced after the team finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Ujiri’s appointment marks a significant pivot for the organisation, which has systematically removed key figures and assets associated with the Luka Doncic trade. Anthony Davis, acquired in the initial blockbuster deal, played only 29 games for Dallas before being traded to the Washington Wizards. The dismissal of Kidd finalises the removal of the previous regime’s leadership, with Ujiri making the call despite Kidd having four years and more than $40 million remaining on his contract.
San Antonio Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney is currently identified as the top contender to replace Kidd. Sweeney, a defensive-minded coach, has ties to Dallas, having served as an assistant under Kidd from 2021 to 2025. He is credited with helping Victor Wembanyama win Defensive Player of the Year, though he has never held a head coaching position. Sweeney is also reportedly coveted by the Chicago Bulls, with Kalshi trading his chances at 28 cents, while the Orlando Magic have given him a 23% chance of landing there.
Other candidates receiving trade action on Kalshi include Chris Collins of Duke, Erik Spoelstra assistant Kenny Atkinson, Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers, Frank Vogel of the former Los Angeles Lakers, and Tom Thibodeau. The position offers a high-profile opportunity in a big market, with the roster led by 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who was historically good as a 19-year-old.
All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to return in October after missing the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL. The Mavericks hold the No. 9 and No. 30 overall picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, with the No. 9 selection potentially being traded for a player to aid a playoff return next season. The organisation is now looking to stabilise its structure as it enters a rebuilding phase under Ujiri’s leadership.
