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NBA’s Best Available Coaching Candidates

By Aaron Ferguson

Apr 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel gestures from the sidelines against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel gestures from the sidelines against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Center. The Bulls defeated the Mavericks 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls at the American Airlines Center. The Bulls defeated the Mavericks 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Van Gundy

Teams Coached: New York Knicks (1995-2002), Houston Rockets (2003-07)
Career Record: 430-318 (.570)
Postseason(s) and Record: 9 Appearances (1998-99 NBA Finals), 44-44 (.500)

Jeff Van Gundy is a popular name that will continue to come up in NBA coaching searches. He has a track record of success that includes nine postseason appearances in 11 total seasons as a head coach.

His success is a reason why NBA teams should reach out to Van Gundy and at least do their due diligence on a thorough coaching search. But Van Gundy has a good gig with ESPN as a color analyst, a role he has held since he was fired by the Rockets in 2007.

Van Gundy, 54, could be interested in the Pacers or Magic head coaching jobs. Both provide different experiences. The Pacers are a veteran team with a superstar in Paul George, while the Magic have a solid young core that could continue to grow and improve together for years to come.

These may be the best two jobs available, and Van Gundy likely won’t settle for the rebuilding jobs that the Rockets, Grizzlies and Knicks have to offer — even if JVG has frequently been mentioned for the Houston job) — unless he gets full control of the team like his brother Stan Van Gundy has with the Detroit Pistons.

Next: Needing A Fresh Start