The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Jacque Vaughn a day after the NBA All-Star Game.
Nets general manager Sean Marks said it was an “incredibly difficult decision” to fire Vaughn.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the team going forward,” Marks said in a statement. “Jacque has represented this organization with exemplary character and class for the past eight years. The consistent positivity and passion he poured into our team daily will remain with the players and staff he interacted with throughout his tenure. We thank Jacque for all he has done for the Nets and the borough of Brooklyn, and wish him, Laura and their family nothing but the best in the future.”
Vaughn compiled a record of 71-68 (.511) with the Nets, who are 21-33 this season. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
According to NBA insider Ian Begley of SNY, some within the Nets had concerns that Vaughn could hinder their chances at landing a top player in free agency. Several players had also lost confidence in Vaughn.
The Nets will name an interim head coach soon. Their first game after the All-Star break is on February 22 against the Toronto Raptors.
Vaughn is 129-226 as a head coach with the Orlando Magic and Nets. He was the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month in December during the 2022-23 season.
Mikal Bridges is the best player on the Nets. He’s averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 82.9% from the free-throw line.
The Nets got swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. It will be intriguing to see how Brooklyn finishes this season.
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