Report: Nets assistant Jacque Vaughn 'gaining traction' for Pelicans head coaching job

Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Jacque Vaughn is reportedly "gaining traction" as a candidate for the New Orleans Pelicans head coaching job, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. 

"I'm not saying he's gonna get the job because Charles Lee on the Bucks' staff is also, I think, gonna be a strong candidate, but the word out of Chicago at the draft combine is that Jacque Vaughn, who is close to [Pelicans general manager] Trajan Langdon ... is gonna get a real serious look," Windhorst reported Friday on "The Hoop Collective" podcast.

Vaughn spent 12 seasons in the NBA playing for the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic. After finishing his career in 2009, he joined the Spurs as an assistant under Gregg Popovich in 2010.

Vaughn previously served as head coach of the Orlando Magic from 2012-15, compiling a 58-158 record with no playoff appearances. The 46-year-old also served as the Nets' interim head coach last season after Kenny Atkinson mutually agreed to part ways with the organization, guiding Brooklyn to a 7-3 record. However, the team was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Toronto Raptors. 

The Pelicans are in need of a head coach after Stan Van Gundy was fired earlier this month. The new bench boss will be tasked with building a solid relationship with superstar Zion Williamson, who reportedly is unhappy in New Orleans.