Jeff Van Gundy has not coached in the NBA since 2007. When he was coaching, the ESPN analyst was widely successful. As such, he has often been among the names linked to coaching positions opening up around the league.
According to a new report, Van Gundy is interested in coaching again but only if a very specific and heavy condition is met. Following from Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders:
…sources with knowledge of Van Gundy’s say that he would require a similar situation to what his brother Stan got in Detroit, which is total franchise control.
Stan Van Gundy accepted the Detroit Pistons job in part due to the ability to gain control of personnel decisions. It appears that Jeff wants similar power in order to return to the coaching ranks. The questions is which teams would be willing to give it to him?
The Brooklyn Nets job will likely be available this summer. Nets ownership seems to be intent on separating the duties of the GM and coach but perhaps they would change their minds in order to make a big enough splash. The Minnesota Timberwolves would also be a likely candidate. Sam Mitchell has left a lot to be desired and the Wolves’ previous coach, Flip Saunders (who unfortunately and tragically passed away earlier this year), did have GM responsibilities. Perhaps the Wolves will look to JVG as a similar coach for a young team.
In truth, this rumor may have no significance. Van Gundy seems to be completely comfortable at his current job. If the right situation arises, perhaps he would bolt to get back to coaching. However, he has been linked to coaching jobs for years and nothing has come to fruition so it seems unlikely that anything will change now. At least, the basic condition for JVG’s return has been unofficially set.
