Multiple old friends linked to Cavs coaching search as new updates surface

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still in the midst of a search for their new head coach after parting ways with J.B. Bickerstaff.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, there are a number of candidates from all over the league in the mix at the moment.

“Sources tell cleveland.com that the team has received permission to interview Denver Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman,” Fedor wrote. “The interview is expected to happen soon, sources say.”

Fedor unloaded a laundry list of names, some of which Cavs fans will surely recognize.

“Sources maintain the Cavs plan to meet with around 10 candidates during this process that may take weeks — and include multiple stages — before completion,” he added.

“Former Cavs advisor Dave Joerger is also expected to receive an interview, sources say. Not only did Joerger spend months around the organization helping J.B. Bickerstaff, seeing the inner workings and learning about the players and culture, but he also brings vast head-coaching experience. Joerger is 245-247 in his career with Memphis and Sacramento. He has made the playoffs three times in six seasons.

“Cleveland has also done plenty of background work on coaching veteran Terry Stotts — even though one source called him a ‘longshot’ to get the lead job.

“Dallas assistant Alex Jensen, the first-ever coach of the Cavs’ G League-affiliated [Cleveland] Charge, may also receive an interview in the near future.

“Steve Hetzel, another Charge alum, is on the radar as well, despite recently being named an assistant coach in Brooklyn under Jordi Fernandez. Hetzel served one season as head coach of the Charge, leading the team to a 28–22 record.

“Sources say the Cavs are not currently planning to meet with former [Los Angeles] Lakers and [Phoenix] Suns coach Frank Vogel.”

Teams in the NBA often bring in multiple candidates when looking for a new head coach, but even when considering that, the current list for the Cavs seems quite long. There are likely a number of contrasting opinions on this approach from the point of view of Cavs fans.

Some may be excited about the fact that the Cavs are casting a wide net and trying to make sure that they bring in enough candidates to find the right one. Certainly, this is a better approach than simply zeroing in on one or two candidates and making a hasty decision.

Other fans, however, may be concerned by a possible lack of direction within the franchise. Certainly, all of these coaches have very different styles, schemes and ideas on how to shape a team. Bringing in so many candidates may end up making the Cavs look like they don’t actually know what they want out of a head coach.

Only time will tell if this approach by the Cavs bears fruit. Despite the coaching change that is taking place this offseason, expectations will likely remain fairly high for the Cavs. That is, as long as the organization is able to hold on to key contributors such as star guard Donovan Mitchell.

If Mitchell ends up with a new team this offseason, as some have suggested is a possibility, then all expectations for Cleveland will have to shift. Without Mitchell, the Cavs may still have the talent to be considered playoff contenders, but to go beyond that threshold, the team will likely need Mitchell’s help.

It will be interesting to see if any reports leak regarding Mitchell’s preferred candidates for the position of head coach in Cleveland. It is quite possible that the Cavs are looking to hire a coach that will help convince Mitchell to stick around for the foreseeable future.