The New Orleans Pelicans fired Monty Williams after they made the NBA Playoffs and got swept by the Golden State Warriors. Now they are hiring. They have already been linked to coaches like Alvin Gentry, Tom Thibodeau, and now Jeff Van Gundy. Van Gundy coached the New York Knicks in the 90’s and that was the last time he was coached. He is one of the most ‘expressive’ ESPN commentators right now, and ironically ESPN’s Marc Stein has reported that Van Gundy and the Pelicans have a mutual interest towards each other.
Going online now: ESPN sources say Jeff Van Gundy has expressed interest in Pels’ coaching job and under consideration for post. Link on way
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 23, 2015
Van Gundy would have the chance to coach one of the NBA’s up and coming young talents, Anthony Davis. The last time Van Gundy coached, he coached an all time great in Patrick Ewing.
Stein caught up with Van Gundy to discuss the opening:
“I have too much respect for the coaching profession and the sanctity of a job search to publicly speak about any job openings,” he said. “That’s really not my style. So I’ll just leave it as I’ve said many times:
“I have the absolute utmost respect for Monty Williams. I coached him. I know what a class guy he is. He has integrity and humility, and I thought he did an outstanding job. I think he can be very, very proud of what he was able to accomplish there. You know, as far as the job search, I don’t get into the public domain on that. I just don’t think it’s right.”
