3 top Mavericks candidates to replace Jason Kidd

The Dallas Mavericks officially entered a new era Tuesday after mutually parting ways with head coach Jason Kidd. Now, the franchise faces one of the most important decisions of its offseason as the search for the Mavericks’ next head coach is underway.

With expectations surrounding 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg rising rapidly, Dallas needs more than just a respected voice on the sideline. The Mavericks need a head coach capable of establishing structure, developing young talent, and restoring long-term stability after two disappointing seasons marked by inconsistency and organizational turbulence.

Among the early coaching candidates, Dave Bliss, Billy Donovan, and Sean Sweeney stand out as the strongest options to lead the franchise into its next era.

Dave Bliss

Bliss may offer the highest long-term upside of the group.

The Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach has earned a strong reputation around the league for player development, offensive creativity, and his modern basketball philosophy. His system emphasizes spacing, ball movement, quick decision-making, and positional versatility — all traits that would complement and maximize Flagg’s generational skill set.

More importantly, the OKC assistant is the type of developmental hire many rebuilding organizations now prioritize. Bringing him to the Mavericks would signal patience, long-term planning, and a commitment to constructing a sustainable foundation around Flagg rather than chasing short-term results. The obvious concern is experience.

Bliss has never served as an NBA head coach, and Dallas may not have the luxury of enduring an extended learning curve if expectations accelerate quickly. Still, his ability to connect with younger players and implement a modern offensive structure makes him one of the most intriguing names available.

Billy Donovan

Donovan offers an entirely different profile, one built around proven stability and experience.

The veteran coach has spent years navigating difficult situations with both Oklahoma City and the Chicago Bulls while consistently keeping his teams competitive. His reputation for professionalism, preparation, and steady leadership could become extremely valuable for a Mavericks organization still recovering from the fallout of the Luka Doncic era and recent roster instability.

Donovan also has a strong history of developing young stars without sacrificing team structure or accountability. While his ceiling may not feel as exciting as Bliss from a long-term developmental standpoint, his experience would immediately bring credibility and stability to the organization.

For a franchise desperate to reestablish direction and consistency, those qualities matter.

Sean Sweeney

Sweeney is one of the most intriguing candidates connected to the Mavericks’ search.

Now an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, he spent four seasons in Dallas and helped shape the Mavericks’ 2024 Finals‑level defense, giving him a rare mix of familiarity and fresh perspective.

Sweeney has earned strong respect around the league for his preparation, communication, and defensive intensity. His modern defensive approach also aligns well with Flagg’s projected strengths as a versatile, switchable two‑way presence. Bringing him back could allow Dallas to reestablish a defensive foundation while modernizing the offense through additional staff hires.

However, hiring a former Mavericks assistant after a 26-56 collapse comes with legitimate risk. Familiarity can help stabilize a transition, but it can also keep a franchise too closely tied to the habits and shortcomings it is trying to leave behind.

What’s ahead for the Mavericks

Some around the league may view an internal hire as remaining too connected to the previous regime rather than embracing a necessary reset. The Mavericks must decide whether continuity provides enough value to outweigh the benefits of a completely fresh voice leading the franchise.

Ultimately, each candidate represents a very different path forward.

Bliss offers developmental upside and offensive innovation. Donovan brings proven leadership and organizational stability. Sweeney provides continuity and defensive structure while maintaining familiarity inside the building.

What the organization cannot afford, however, is another coaching misstep.

With Flagg already positioned as the centerpiece of the franchise’s future, the Mavericks’ next hire will help determine whether this team can finally establish long-term direction and return to legitimate contention in the Western Conference.