Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney to interview to be Jazz head coach
By Tyler Watts
The Dallas Mavericks hired Sean Sweeney as their defensive coordinator shortly after signing Jason Kidd to be their head coach last summer. The Hall of Fame point guard called Sweeney “a must” (subscription required), and the pair helped the Mavericks vault into the top ten in defensive rating and reach the Western Conference Finals behind their defense.
Sweeney has been with Jason Kidd during all three of his head coaching stops. His first season as an assistant came in 2013-2014, and Dallas is Sweeney's fourth NBA team. The Mavs’ defensive improvement this season quickly vaulted him into the conversation for head coaching openings. He interviewed for the Hornets’ position, but Mike D’Antoni and Kenny Atkinson are the two finalists for the opening.
Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Sweeney will interview for another head coaching position this summer. Here is a look at the latest.
Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney to interview to be Utah Jazz head coach
Quin Snyder stepped down as Jazz head coach on June 6 after reaching the playoffs for six straight seasons but failing to go beyond the second round of the postseason. Snyder’s last game as Jazz head coach came against Dallas as the Mavericks knocked Utah out in the first round of the playoffs in six games this year.
The Jazz want to win now and have multiple All-Stars on their roster. Snyder’s departure could have massive impacts across the league, especially if Utah does not find the right head coach to replace him.
Sean Sweeney is one of many coaches the Jazz are reportedly interviewing for their opening. Terry Stotts and Frank Vogel are among the top names of the 12 known candidates thus far. There will be plenty of competition, but Sweeney’s performance in Dallas this season makes him an intriguing hire, especially for the Jazz, who want to improve on the defensive end of the floor.
It is just a matter of time before Sean Sweeney becomes a head coach in the NBA. This is his second interview this offseason, and they will keep coming until he lands his first chance.