Nets name Hall of Famer Steve Nash as new head coach

The Nets have a new head coach in Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash. 

The signing was announced on Thursday, as Nash inks a four-year deal to lead Brooklyn as their 23rd head coach in franchise history.

"I am honored to have this opportunity with such a first-class organization and would like to thank Sean, Joe and his wife, Clara, for having faith in my ability to lead this team forward,” Nash said in an official statement. “Coaching is something I knew I wanted to pursue when the time was right, and I am humbled to be able to work with the outstanding group of players and staff we have here in Brooklyn."

"After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make,” said GM Sean Marks. “In Steve we see a leader, communicator and mentor who will garner the respect of our players. I have had the privilege to know Steve for many years. One of the great on-court leaders in our game, I have witnessed firsthand his basketball acumen and selfless approach to prioritize team success. His instincts for the game, combined with an inherent ability to communicate with and unite players towards a common goal, will prepare us to compete at the highest levels of the league."

It was a very quiet hire, but according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Nets owner Joe Tsai and Marks were "aggressive" in trying to get Nash to be a head coach, something he hadn't had any desire in since he retired after the 2013-14 NBA season. 

Marks also knows Nash from his playing days, as both were on the Phoenix Suns from 2006-2008. 

"We are excited to welcome Steve to the Nets family and look forward to a successful and meaningful partnership,” Tsai said. “Steve shares our vision for the future of this franchise and his character exemplifies the core principles of our organization in working to serve our communities. I can’t wait for Steve to get started.”

What Nash has been doing in retirement is working as a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors, so that Kevin Durant connection is certainly there. But he has no assistant or head coaching experience as he steps into his new role now. 

Jacque Vaughn, who many believed would be seriously considered for the position after his work as interim head coach, won't be leaving Brooklyn. The Nets also announced Vaughn as the lead assistant coach for Nash. 

"We are thrilled to retain Jacque as a leading member of our coaching staff,” Marks said. “Jacque has been an integral part of our program and a key contributor to the growth and development of our entire organization. His role in developing our players both on and off the court and his influence driving our culture have been invaluable."

During his playing career with the Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, Nash was a two-time MVP (back-to-back seasons in 2004 and 2005), eight-time All-Star, and three-time All-NBA selection known for his court vision with 10,335 assists, which is third all-time in NBA history. Nash was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.