Report: Blazers interview Mavericks assistant Terry Stotts for head coach

The Portland Trail Blazers met with Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Terry Stotts this week to discuss their vacant head-coaching position, The Oregonian's John Canzano reported on Sunday. He met with Blazers general manager Neil Olshey on Tuesday and looks to be headed for a follow-up interview, Canzano reported.

Canzano spoke with Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, who said that his assistant Stotts would be the best man for the job in Portland among a long list of candidates.

"Of all the coaches presently in play, Terry is by far the best available," Carlisle said. "He's a professional and understands the process of NBA coaching and how to communicate and teach young players."

"Of all the assistants I've had," Carlisle said, "Terry has the best overall feel for the game and a very creative mind offensively."

Stotts has held a head job twice before in his post-playing NBA career. Most recently, he was the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2005-07. Before that, he was the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. His career record is 114-168.