Once one of the most esteemed head coaches in the NBA, Stan Van Gundy struggled during his most recent stint with the Detroit Pistons.
Van Gundy made the postseason just once during his four years there, prompting his split from the organization this past May. After being replaced by last season’s Coach of The Year Dwane Casey, Van Gundy has kept an eye out for any potential job offers but to no avail. With training camp on the horizon and no coaching job emerging as an opportunity, Van Gundy recently went on the Real Talk Basketball Podcast with Rex Walters and said he is considering retiring (h/t ESPN):
“If I could get a job [for next season], I had planned to coach. Now, I really don’t know,” Van Gundy said. “I’m really lost right now. I don’t have an idea. My wife wants me to retire.”
“I want to do something, but if I’m not coaching, I don’t want to work too hard,” Van Gundy said. “If I’m going to be grinding, then I want to coach. If I’m not going to be coaching, I want to be semi-retired, at least. I really don’t know.”
Based on his comments, it’s fair to say Stan Van Gundy has yet to decide his next move. With job opportunities across the NBA especially dry right now, Van Gundy could be seeking an easier going job such as a gig with a media network.
Still, it’s clear Van Gundy’s desires still lie in the coaching world but openings are sparse to say the very least. Now with an uncertain future, we could see Van Gundy call it a career after a memorable 23 years of coaching at the NBA level.
