Mike Dunleavy a candidate for Brooklyn Nets coaching job

Mike Dunleavy is a serious candidate for the Brooklyn Nets head coaching job, the New York Daily News reports.

The Nets decided not to retain interim coach P.J. Carlesimo, who went 35-19 during the regular season after replacing Avery Johnson as the team’s head coach in December.

Jeff Van Gundy was initially reported to be a candidate for the job, but Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski later said the interest did not appear to be mutual, likely because Van Gundy is happy serving as a commentator for ABC/ESPN. Phil Jackson has been mentioned as a candidate, but he may be more interested in a front office position.

The Daily News says Dunleavy has a good relationship with Nets GM Billy King and is golfing buddies with him.

Dunleavy, 59, lost his job as Clippers coach/GM during the 2009-2010 season and hasn’t coached since. The Daily News says Dunleavy had discussions with King about the job during the season.

Dunleavy and Jeff Van Gundy were mentioned as candidates for the job in December before Carlesimo was made interim head coach. At the time, Dunleavy openly lobbied for the position on his radio show.

Stan Van Gundy, Brian Shaw, and Jerry Sloan have also been mentioned as candidates for the position.

We’re thinking that the Nets won’t be able to land the big name they’re seeking and that someone like Dunleavy is much more realistic.