Mavericks shift coaching search focus to NBA assistants

The Dallas Mavericks are intensifying their coaching search, moving away from college candidates to target NBA assistants. Team president Masai Ujiri, following a disappointing season, aims to find a head coach who can develop prospect Cooper Flagg. Early options included college coaches Jon Scheyer and Dusty May, but sources indicate the likely direction favors promoting an NBA assistant. Former Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney has taken a head coaching position with the Orlando Magic, prompting a focus on other candidates like Johnnie Bryant, Sam Cassell, and Jared Dudley. The decision reflects Ujiri's history of successful promotions within NBA coaching staff.

• 10:41 PMYahoo Sports — Mavericks' coaching search just took a major turn away from the college ranks