The Nets are in the market for a new head coach.
Following the team’s win over Indiana on Monday, news broke that Brooklyn and Steve Nash have agreed to part ways.
“A very heartfelt thanks to Joe and Clara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets,” Nash wrote in a statement shared on Twitter. “It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.”
A Hall of Famer and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team with eight All-Star selections and two MVP awards to his name, Nash took over as head coach of the Nets in 2020. The team posted a 94-67 record with him at the helm and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
Why did the Nets move on from Nash and who will take over as their head coach?
MORE: Ranking best available head coaching candidates
Why did the Nets fire Steve Nash?
Nets general manager Sean Marks released the following statement in regard to the decision to move on from Nash:
“We want to thank Steve for everything he brought to our franchise over the past two-plus seasons. Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure.
“Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time.
“We wish Steve, Lilla and their family all the best in the future.”
The Nets entered the 2022-23 with some of the best odds to win the championship but find themselves with a 2-5 record at the time of the decision. The Nets haven’t been particularly sharp on either end of the court, ranking 16th in offensive efficiency and 29th in defensive efficiency.
Brooklyn’s losses came against New Orleans, Memphis, Milwaukee, Dallas and Indiana.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Oct. 19 | vs. Pelicans | L, 130-108 |
| Oct. 21 | vs. Raptors | W, 109-105 |
| Oct. 24 | at Grizzlies | L, 134-124 |
| Oct. 26 | at Bucks | L, 110-99 |
| Oct. 27 | vs. Mavericks | L, 129-125 (OT) |
| Oct. 29 | vs. Pacers | L, 125-116 |
| Oct. 31 | vs. Pacers | W, 116-109 |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Bulls |
Kyrie Irving (30.1) and Kevin Durant (32.6) are each averaging over 30 points per game, but the Nets have dealt with some injuries to key players. Joe Harris has appeared in five of seven games, Seth Curry has played only once and Ben Simmons will miss his second straight game with left knee soreness on Tuesday.
It’s been clear in the games he has played that Simmons is still working his way into form after missing all of last season and undergoing back surgery. The three-time All-Star is currently averaging career-lows of 6.2 points and 6.5 rebounds to go along with 7.3 assists per game.
MORE: The latest on Ben Simmons’ knee injury
Who will replace Steve Nash as the Nets’ head coach?
Jacque Vaughn will serve as the team’s acting head coach for Tuesday’s matchup with the Bulls.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets are expected to inquire with Ime Udoka, Quin Snyder and others to replace Nash long-term. The Athletic’s Shams Charania added that Udoka has emerged as a “strong frontrunner” to be the franchise’s next head coach.
Ime Udoka has emerged as a strong frontrunner to be the next Brooklyn Nets head coach and the sides have begun discussions, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Nets are in the midst of their search process and are continuing to do due diligence.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 1, 2022
Udoka is currently serving a season-long suspension from the Celtics for “violations of team policies.”
Woj tweeted that the Celtics will let Udoka leave for another job.
MORE: Ime Udoka suspension, explained: What we know about Celtics coach’s status
Steve Nash contract details
Nash signed a four-year contract with the Nets in 2020.
According to Sportico, Nash was earning an average of $8 million a year as Brooklyn’s head coach, making him one of the higher-paid coaches in all of U.S. sports.
Steve Nash net worth, career earnings
Over the course of his 18-year career, Nash earned approximately $144 million playing with the Suns, Mavericks and Lakers. He retired following the 2013-14 season with the Lakers.
According to TheRichest, Nash has an approximate net worth of $95 million.
