Phil Jackson To Brooklyn Nets: Team Reportedly In Contact With Legendary Coach

Phil Jackson is getting some interest from the Brooklyn Nets as the legendary coach emerges as a candidate for yet another job opening.

Ever since rumors swirled early in the year that Jackson was looking to make a return to the NBA, he has been a rumored to be a candidate in nearly coaching or front office vacancy that comes along. Phil Jackson even came close to re-joining the Los Angeles Lakers, getting a commitment from the team before the Lakers abruptly changed course and selected Mike D’Antoni.

The selection came as a shock to many, including Jackson. D’Antoni was viewed by many as a bad fit, but he was still able to lead the Lakers out of a slow start and into the playoffs. An injury to Kobe Bryant and slugging play led to the Lakers being swept out of the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, however.

Now rumors say the Brooklyn Nets are interested in Phil Jackson to replace the outgoing P.J Carlesimo. Larry Brown and Brian Shaw are also rumored to be candidates for the Brooklyn job.

Nets general manager Billy King said on Sunday that he would reach out to Jackson, though King said it’s not likely the Zen Master would return strictly as a coach.

Instead, Jackson would likely occupy some other kind of front-office role, similar to the arrangement Pat Riley has had in Miami. If Jackson is picked in some kind of management role with an option of part ownership, it’s believed that Shaw would be a strong candidate to become the team’s head coach.

The Cleveland Cavaliers looked at Phil Jackson for a similar front-office position, reportedly reaching out to Jackson to gauge his interest in returning to the league. The Cavs ultimately bypassed Jackson to bring back coach Mike Brown.