Anytime there’s a vacant head coaching position on an NBA team, Phil Jackson’s name always comes up. Phil Jackson finally spoke out about the coaching job & said that he’s not taking the Nets job, but the statement he made does leave some wiggle room. Notice the word ‘intention.’
According to Mike Mazzeo at ESPN:
Phil Jackson apparently will not be pursuing his 12th NBA title.
“I have no intention of ever coaching again,” Jackson told SheridanHoops.com on Tuesday night.
Sources told ESPN.com that Jackson, an 11-time NBA coaching champion, is the Brooklyn Nets’ top target to replace Avery Johnson on a permanent basis. Interim coach P.J. Carlesimo is off to a 6-1 start in Johnson’s place and is expected to finish out the season.
The Nets would then pursue Jackson in the offseason, with Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov looking to make yet another splash.
Asked after the Nets’ win Tuesday if Jackson’s remark was re-assuring, Carlesimo responded, “It’s not. That’s more fragile than the confidence of the players. I don’t believe Phil, anyhow. I’ve known Phil too long.”
