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The Dallas Mavericks are intensifying their hunt for a new head coach, and sources say the club has narrowed its options as interviews continue through the weekend. A mix of proven veterans and rising assistants are under consideration, and the choice could shape the team’s immediate future as the draft approaches.
Who remains on Dallas’ coaching shortlist
League insiders report the Mavericks are actively interviewing candidates. Five names have surfaced several times in conversations around Dallas.
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- Micah Nori — stepped in as acting coach during part of the 2024 postseason and drew positive notice.
- Royal Ivey — an assistant with the Houston Rockets, known for player development work.
- Jama Mahlalela — on the Toronto Raptors’ staff and respected for Xs-and-Os and culture building.
- Tony Dobbins — a Boston assistant who has gained attention for tactical acumen.
- Terry Stotts — a veteran coach with head-coaching experience across several franchises.
Sources also indicate that preliminary outreach to Michigan’s Dusty May and Duke’s Jon Scheyer stayed exploratory and did not progress to formal interviews.
Why Terry Stotts is a candidate to watch
Stotts brings a long résumé that includes head-coaching stops before recent staff roles. He has spent recent years as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.
- Veteran leadership: Stotts’ decade-plus experience as a head coach could stabilize a young roster.
- Previous head-coaching roles listed with Atlanta, Milwaukee and Portland give him a broad base to draw from.
- His time with high-level organizations adds credibility in systems and in-game adjustments.
Appeal of younger assistants for a rebuilding core
The Mavericks appear comfortable with the idea of hiring someone earlier in their head-coaching career.
- Young assistants often bring fresh offense ideas and stronger rapport with developing players.
- Micah Nori’s brief postseason stint offered a glimpse of his leadership in pressure moments.
- Promoting from inside or hiring a recent assistant can speed continuity with existing staff.
Timing, interviews and how the draft factors in
Dallas is balancing the coaching search with its front-office calendar. With the NBA draft weeks away, the franchise faces a decision on whether to complete the hire before draft night.
The Mavericks hold the No. 9 pick this year. Last season they selected Cooper Flagg with the top pick, a move that reshaped the roster plan.
Choosing a coach now could influence draft priorities and the development timeline for young players. The front office must weigh a veteran’s steady hand against a younger coach’s fit with rising talent.
What to watch next
- Which candidates receive second interviews.
- Whether Dallas makes a hire before the draft.
- Signals from the Mavericks’ roster meetings and front-office briefings.
