Assistant coach Jarron Collins leaving Warriors to pursue head-coaching opportunities

Former NBA player Jarron Collins won three titles as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors but now wants to go out on his own. 

Collins told ESPN's The Undefeated on Monday he and the Warriors have mutually agreed to part ways so that the 42-year-old can pursue available head coaching and associate head coach opportunities. 

"This is about myself and my own personal growth," Collins said, per Marc J. Spears. "I had a conversation with (head coach) Steve (Kerr) and the Warriors. I've been there seven years and coached Hall of Fame players. We've won championships. I learned so much. For me, this is about taking the next journey and next step in my career.

"Obviously, Steve Kerr is the head coach and Mike Brown is the lead assistant. It's time for me to step out and see whatever opportunities are out there for me."

Collins first joined Kerr's staff in the summer of 2014 as a player development coach and was promoted to assistant coach the subsequent July. In a prepared statement, Kerr told The Undefeated he's going to miss Collins "both personally and professionally" but added "Jarron has all the skills necessary" to be an NBA head coach. 

As Spears noted, the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, and Portland Trail Blazers all have head coach openings. Collins told The Undefeated he's received interest from multiple NBA teams and that he wants "to be a first assistant coach or a head coach."