The Cleveland Cavaliers have begun their search for a new head coach after parting ways with J.B. Bickerstaff. General Manager Koby Altman is leading the effort to find a replacement who can build on the team’s recent success. Bickerstaff, despite achieving 99 regular-season wins over the past two years and securing back-to-back playoff appearances, was dismissed following an early playoff exit.
Notable candidates for the position include Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans assistant James Borrego. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski highlighted Atkinson as a candidate to watch, noting his previous experience leading the Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs and his coaching of current Cavs players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert. Atkinson, who has been an assistant with the Warriors for three seasons, also served as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers under former Cavs head coach Ty Lue.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium also mentioned Atkinson and Borrego, emphasizing their head coaching experience. Borrego, who led the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, has a history of developing young talent despite not making a postseason appearance. Other names in the mix are Miami assistant Chris Quinn, former Portland head coach Terry Stotts, and Denver assistant David Adelman.
The search for a new head coach is happening alongside negotiations with star guard Donovan Mitchell for a long-term contract. Mitchell, under contract for next season with a player option for 2025-26, is a key figure in the team’s future plans. Altman’s decisions in both hiring a new coach and securing Mitchell’s commitment will shape the Cavaliers’ direction in the coming years.
The Cavaliers’ management, led by Koby Altman, is focused on finding a coach who can enhance the team’s performance and capitalize on the talents of their roster, continuing the progress made under Bickerstaff’s tenure. This coaching change is a significant moment for the franchise as they aim to advance further in the playoffs and become a consistent championship contender.