Jason Kidd has withdrawn his name from consideration for one NBA head coaching job, and Damian Lillard is likely going to be very disappointed.
Kidd told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday that he will not interview for the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach job.
“Portland’s a first-class organization and will have great candidates for its head coaching job, but I’ve decided not to be one of them,” Kidd said. “Whoever they choose will have big shoes to fill from Terry (Stotts).”
Lillard said immediately after Stotts was fired that Kidd is “the guy I want.” That public endorsement actually backfired, as Wojnarowski says Kid was uncomfortable with the idea of pursuing the job after receiving Lillard’s endorsement. Kidd felt it would put the Blazers in an awkward spot if he pursued the job.
Portland’s list of candidates will now reportedly include Chauncey Billups, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike D’Antoni and Juwan Howard.
Kidd, who has been the top assistant under Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel for two seasons, is reportedly expected to receive consideration for at least one other high-profile job.
