Jan 9, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks acting head coach Sean Sweeney and guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) watch the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

San Antonio Spurs Hire 11-Year Veteran Coach

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Jed Katz | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 7:29 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs weren't able to land Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade after hype was building. However, they're still in NBA headlines today after making a major move regarding the coaching staff.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Spurs are hiring Sean Sweeney to become the associate head coach under newly appointed head coach Mitch Johnson. Sweeney was previously with the Dallas Mavericks and remains in Texas. However, he'll be moving over to San Antonio.

Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney has agreed on a deal to become the associate head coach of the San Antonio Spurs under Mitch Johnson, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports tells ESPN. Sweeney has interviewed for coaching jobs in recent years and now departs Mavs for elevated role. pic.twitter.com/ohfgseOqCf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025

Sweeney spent four seasons in Dallas under head coach Jason Kidd. He became his right-hand man, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, being an integral part of the Mavericks' playoff runs, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2022 and an NBA Finals appearance in 2024.

Sweeney has helped coach some of the league's best players in Dallas, including Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Jalen Brunson. The long-time assistant worked with Kidd in Brooklyn and Milwaukee. He then took a job as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons for three seasons before the two reunited in Dallas.

Big loss for the Mavs. Sean Sweeney has been Jason Kidd’s right-hand man at each stop of his head coaching career. Coordinated offense and defense in Dallas. https://t.co/55RxACFMwq
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 22, 2025

The Spurs are building a new chapter highlighted by the emergence of Johnson at the head coaching position, as well as All-Stars Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. The team has an incredible young core in place with more on the way. San Antonio owns the No. 2 and No. 14 overall picks in the NBA Draft.

Sweeney should add improvement on both sides of the ball, as well as playoff experience. He'll soon add Wembanyama and Fox to the list of stars he's worked with.

Kevin Durant Breaks Silence on Blockbuster Trade to Houston Rockets

NBA Fans React to Blockbuster Kevin Durant Trade to Rockets

Major Report on Expected Kevin Durant Trade Date

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: