The Dallas Mavericks parted ways with longtime general manager Donnie Nelson on Wednesday, but it turns out that is not the most significant change for the organization this offseason.
Rick Carlisle informed Mavericks owner Mark Cuban on Thursday that he will not return as head coach next season. He said in a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the decision was “solely” his. Carlisle also said he is “excited about the next chapter of my coaching career,” which indicates he will look for a job elsewhere.
Carlisle had been the head coach in Dallas since 2008. He led the Mavericks to an NBA title in 2011, but they have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since.
Carlisle, 61, will be one of the top candidates on the market for other NBA head coaching jobs if he chooses to coach next season.
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