Mavericks executive leadership targets Cooper Flagg development in head coach search
Team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz are leading the evaluation of more than a dozen candidates to replace Jason Kidd, with a primary mandate focused on the development of reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
The Dallas Mavericks have commenced an active search for a new head coach following the departure of Jason Kidd in May. Team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz are leading the evaluation process, aiming to stabilise the franchise after a turbulent period that included the trade of Luka Doncic in February 2025. The incoming coach will be tasked with the development of reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who is viewed as a cornerstone for the team’s future.
Reports indicate that the Mavericks have held exploratory conversations with Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who coached Flagg during his collegiate career. The club has also reached out to Michigan head coach Dusty May, who recently led his team to a national championship. While both coaches have expressed success at the collegiate level, it remains unclear if either is willing to leave their current programmes, which are positioned as title contenders.
In the NBA assistant ranks, the Mavericks have contacted several candidates. San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney was approached but has since accepted the head coaching position with the Orlando Magic. Other assistants under consideration include Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves, known for defensive expertise; Royal Ivey of the Houston Rockets, who has experience coaching high-profile stars; and Jama Mahlalela of the Toronto Raptors, who shares a prior professional connection with Ujiri.
Further candidates include Tony Dobbins of the Boston Celtics, praised for his player development and emotional management skills, and Noah LaRoche of the Miami Heat, described by coach Erik Spoelstra as an innovative offensive mind. LaRoche has experience implementing uptempo systems, which could align with Flagg’s playing style. The Mavericks are also expected to pursue former head coach Terry Stotts, who previously served as an assistant in Dallas and is reportedly only interested in head coaching roles.
The search follows a significant organisational overhaul, which saw the firing of general manager Nico Harrison and the trade of Anthony Davis. With two first-round picks available in the upcoming draft, the Mavericks are seeking a coach who can balance Flagg’s development with the broader needs of a roster in transition. The executive leadership aims to identify a candidate who can effectively manage the team’s defensive and offensive structures while establishing a new competitive identity.
