NBA Coaching Candidates

Kevin McHale

As the playoffs heat up, so does the NBA coaching carousel. A number of teams cut ties with their coach before or at regular season's end -- Vinny Del Negro in Chicago; Kim Hughes with the Clippers; Eddie Jordan in Philadelphia; Jeff Bower stepping down in New Orleans; and Kiki Vandeweghe going back to the front office in New Jersey, for now -- meaning the list of potential candidates seems to grow by the day. The Celtics' legend and former Timberwolves GM and coach is now an analyst for NBA TV. But he could agree to another career change should the Bulls act on their rumored interest in him as coach.

Jeff Van Gundy

The former Knicks and Rockets coach has a career 430-318 record. Van Gundy, currently an ESPN analyst, has been among the candidates mentioned for the job in New Jersey, which is expected to get a young, billionaire owner in addition to a top draft pick and possibly some big free agents this summer (along with a new arena in a few years).

Avery Johnson

The former Mavericks coach and current ESPN analyst is reportedly being wooed by the Hornets and Sixers. And according to SI.com's Ian Thomsen, Johnson would be a great fit in his native New Orleans.

Dwane Casey

In addition to Avery Johnson, former Timberwolves coach and current Mavs assistant Dwane Casey has also interviewed for the open Hornets position. But his best option could be with the Clippers.

Doug Collins

Add TNT analyst Doug Collins to a lengthy list of Sixers candidates that includes Mark Jackson, Monty Williams and Avery Johnson. After interviewing for the position, Collins said he was "intrigued" by the possibility of returning to Philadelphia, where he played before coaching Chicago, Detroit and Washington.

Larry Brown

"Next Town" Brown could be on the move again, even though he remains under contract with the Bobcats. The former Sixers coach has been rumored to be interested in a position with the Philly franchise, if not as coach then in the front office (though the Sixers denied that was a possibility). Brown's wife and kids reside in Philadelphia, and Bobcats owner Michael Jordan reportedly gave his coach the green light to explore other options.

Lawrence Frank

Lawrence Frank, who was fired after the Nets' 0-16 start to 2009-2010, is also on the Bulls' radar.

Mark Jackson

The former point guard and current ESPN analyst (alongside fellow candidate Jeff Van Gundy) has been eyed by the Sixers. But the agent for Jackson (who has zero coaching experience) told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Jackson "doesn't feel it's the right opportunity."

Mike Fratello

Mike Fratello ranks 19th on the NBA's all-time wins list. And if the Hornets decide to bring him on, he could quickly move up that list.

Mike Malone

After spending two seasons as an assistant with the Knicks, Mike Malone joined the Cavaliers in 2005. Could Chicago be his next stop? According to multiple reports, the Bulls will likely request an interview with Malone.

John Calipari

Think Derrick Rose will have any say in this one? The current Kentucky coach, and former chief at Memphis (where he guided the likes of Rose, Tyreke Evans and Chris Douglas-Roberts), has supposedly been courted by the Bulls. Calipari, who coached the Nets for two seasons, has denied interest, but sources earlier told Yahoo! Sports that he was "intrigued" by the opportunity and would entertain an offer. Kentucky responded to such claims by working with Calipari to restructure his deal so he would stay a Wildcat "until he retires."

Sam Mitchell

The former player was named the 2007 Coach of the Year after leading the Raptors to their first division title in franchise history and first playoff appearance in five years that season. After four years at the helm, Mitchell became the team's longest-tenured coach before being fired in December 2008. Now, he's on the Sixers' radar, but according to Ian Thomsen, a good fit for Mitchell could be the Nets.

Phil Jackson

The 10-time NBA champion and Lakers' Zen Master said he's already made up his mind about where he'll be next season, but he's not revealing his plans just yet. He did say he's "90 percent" sure he'll still be in L.A., but that's left a 10-percent chance another team such as the Bulls or Bobcats could bring him in.

Mike Woodson

Mike Woodson has led the Hawks to a slow, yet steady, improvement over the past five years. But he's yet to sign an extension with the team. Is he unhappy in Atlanta? Some seem to think so, and some also think he could be headed to Philadelphia.

Monty Williams

The former Sixer is expected to interview with Philadelphia GM Ed Stefanski. Williams is an assistant with the Trail Blazers, a job he's held since 2004.

Tom Thibodeau

The Celtics' defensive mastermind has been in the mix for openings over the last couple of years. This year figures to be no different for the longtime assisant coach.