Cavs Exploring Assistant Coaching Options, Including Jared Dudley; Johnnie Bryant Likely To Stay

With several vacancies to fill on Kenny Atkinson’s coaching staff, the Cavaliers are exploring multiple options, including current Dallas Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley and former Cleveland forward Jawad Williams.

The Cavaliers are among a handful of teams to show interest in Dudley, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Memphis and Phoenix have also been linked to the rising assistant, who has spent the last three seasons on the Mavericks’ bench under head coach Jason Kidd.

Dudley, known for his sharp basketball mind and locker room leadership during his 14-year playing career, has earned strong marks in coaching circles. Though he never suited up for the Cavaliers, he has long been respected around the league as a communicator and culture-builder — qualities the Cavs seem to be prioritizing as they shape the staff under Atkinson.

Cleveland has multiple openings after assistants Jordan Ott, DeMarre Carroll, and Bryan Tibaldi all accepted jobs elsewhere this offseason. Chris Darnell, who served as head coach of the G League’s Cleveland Charge, also departed to join the Sacramento Kings.

Meanwhile, Williams played parts of three seasons with the Cavs from 2008 to 2011. A native of Northeast Ohio, he is currently an assistant coach and director of player development with the Kings. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, he’s also on Cleveland’s radar.

Meanwhile, top assistant Johnnie Bryant — who interviewed for the Suns’ head coaching position and was a finalist alongside Ott — is expected to remain with the Cavaliers, per Scotto.

As Atkinson works to build out his bench, Cleveland’s front office is eyeing candidates with both NBA experience and developmental upside, and perhaps a few familiar names with local roots as well.