In a move likely unprecedented in NBA history, the Brooklyn Nets announced Monday that the franchise has extended head coach Jordi Fernandez and his nine assistant coaches. The Nets staff is among the largest in the NBA.
“Jordi is a tremendous leader who, along with his coaching staff, put his stamp on this franchise from the moment he arrived in Brooklyn,” said Sean Marks in the team’s press release. “Over his first two seasons, Jordi has built a strong foundation rooted in player development, a competitive
spirit and honest communication, all of which have been embraced throughout our roster.
“The energy and passion the entire staff relentlessly pour into our players reverberates throughout the organization, and we are excited to have this group continue to lead our franchise into the future.”
Shams Charania was first with the news…
The Nets did not name the assistants but the team’s official website lists nine assistant coaches, all of whom have been with the club for at least two years. In addition to Fernandez, the staff includes Fernandez top assistant, Steve Hetzel as well as Juwan Howard, Jay Hernandez, Dutch Gaitley, Deividas Dulkys, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Connor Griffin, Corey Vinson and Travis Bader.
Contract details were not disclosed. Shams Charania wrote this about the timing and rationale behind the decision.
Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks landed on the extensions with the staff this week, sources told ESPN, showing long-term commitment to Fernandez after two seasons at the helm.
Fernandez has pushed the Nets to competitive play amid consecutive rebuilding seasons in which he’s gone a combined 46-118, focusing on player development from the team’s young players and career years from veterans such as Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe.
Although the Nets record under Fernandez is among the league’s worst at 28.0%, Shams and Bobby Marks noted the Nets future looks brighter.
The offseason presents an opportunity for Brooklyn to improve significantly. Heading into the May 10 lottery, there is a 40% chance that the Nets select in the top three for the first time since 2010. For the second straight offseason, the Nets will have over $30 million in cap space to use in trades or in free agency.
Brooklyn also has 13 first-round picks available over the next seven years, including nine that can be traded. It also has 19 second-rounders.
The extensions are the latest commitment to the franchise and a significant vote of confidence in Marks who hired Fernandez and staff.
Fernández was named the 24th head coach in the franchise’s NBA history on April 22, 2024. The Badalona, Spain, native arrived in Brooklyn following 15 years as an NBA assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. Fernández’s international coaching journey also led him to positions with the national teams of Spain, Nigeria and Canada, where he served as head coach for the bronze medal-winning team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup along with Canada’s Olympic entry at the 2024 Paris Games.
