Feb 14, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn watches from the sideline at they take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics
NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Jacque Vaughn, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The move comes with the Nets 21-33 and 11th in the Eastern Conference.
Vaughn was promoted from assistant coach after Steve Nash was dismissed in 2022. He then was named the permanent coach about a week later, signing a multiyear contract extension on Feb. 21, 2023.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the team going forward,” said Nets General Manager Sean Marks. “Jacque has represented this organization with exemplary character and class for the past eight years. The consistent positivity and passion he poured into our team daily will remain with the players and staff he interacted with throughout his tenure.”
Vaughn issued a statement to ESPN:
“To Joe Tsai, Clara Wu-Tsai, Ollie Weisberg, Sam Zussman, Sean Marks and front office, Nets coaches, staff, players, BSE family and the entire Brooklyn borough: It was a pleasure being your Head Coach. I hope each individual I interacted with felt respected and valued. Just know I gave you everything I had every single day. Onto the next chapter. Amor Fati.”
According to a report from SNY’s Ian Begley, several players had lost confidence Vaughn amid the teams struggles – and people within the organization had concerns that could prevent their chances at landing a top player.
Vaughn ends his tenure in Brooklyn with a 64–65 coaching record. The Nets said an interim head coach will be named in the “near future.” They have Kevin Ollie — who coached UConn to a national title on staff and could plug him in for the time being.
