Brooklyn Nets Make Surprising Coaching Decision

The Brooklyn Nets have officially named acting head coach Jacque Vaughn as their full-time head coach, general manager Sean Marks announced in a statement obtained by ESPN on Wednesday (November 9).

"Jacque's basketball acumen, competitiveness and intimate knowledge of our team and organization make him the clear-cut best person to lead our group moving forward," Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement. "He has a proven ability to get the best out of our players, hold them accountable and play a cohesive, team-first style of basketball."

Vaughn's new deal will reportedly run through the 2023-24 season, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Vaughn, a former point guard and NBA champion during his 12-year playing career, has a 67-163 career coaching record, which includes going 58-158 during three seasons with the Orlando Magic and 2-2 during his last four games as the Nets' acting head coach.

The move comes just over a week after Vaughn had initially been announced as the "acting Nets head coach" the departure of former head coach Steve Nash on November 1, as well as ensuing reports that the team had interest in luring away suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.

Wojnarowski had previously reported that the Celtics were willing to let Udoka "leave for another job," shortly after reports of Nash's departure.

Udoka, who is currently serving a team-enforced season-long suspension, had previously worked as the Nets' assistant coach during the 2020-21 season prior to being hired by the Celtics in 2021.