Dallas Mavericks: Jerry Stackhouse named head coach of Vanderbilt

DALLAS - NOVEMBER 17: Jerry Stackhouse #42 of the Dallas Mavericks prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on November 17, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. The Mavs won 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS - NOVEMBER 17: Jerry Stackhouse #42 of the Dallas Mavericks prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on November 17, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. The Mavs won 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Former Dallas Mavericks player, Jerry Stackhouse, has officially accepted the job of head coach for the Vanderbilt University men’s basketball team. This should be a great move for both parties.

Jerry Stackhouse had a solid NBA career, playing from 1996-2013 for eight different NBA franchises. He started his career with the Philadelphia 76ers for 2.5 years before being traded to the Detroit Pistons where he had the most prolific seasons of his career, including both All-Star appearances and a year where he averaged nearly 30 points per game.

After 4.5 years in Detroit, Stackhouse went to Washington for a couple years before making it to the Dallas Mavericks from the 2004-05 season to the 06-07 season. He played a key role in the Mavs playoff run in 2006 where the team went to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. Stack averaged 14 points per game in 22 playoff games, missing only game 5 of the NBA Finals.

During his time in Dallas, Stackhouse was not only a great role player, but quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his solid scoring, his exciting play and his odd free throw form.

Over the past few years, Stackhouse has been an assistant coach in the NBA and head coach for the Raptors G-League team for a couple years. Many viewed him as a future NBA coach destined for greatness, but it is looking like he will take a detour to the NCAA for a couple years as he has officially signed a six-year contract with Vanderbilt University. Vandy is an SEC team that has struggled to make their mark in the conference standings.

This decision does not mean that Stackhouse will not be coaching in the NBA one day, but it will slow the process down a little bit most likely. He should do well in the college game with both coaching and developing talent.

Vanderbilt got a great former player to act as their coach for years to come and I believe it will work out for them. Congratulations to Jerry Stackhouse on the new head coaching job and we wish him luck through all future endeavors.

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