Blazers interview Jared Dudley, Ben Sullivan as coaching search expands

The Trail Blazers’ search is picking up steam.

Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley and Rockets assistant Ben Sullivan are among the candidates who have interviewed for Portland’s head coaching job, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Dudley is a familiar name around the league. The former wing played 14 seasons before moving into coaching, spending four years on the Mavericks’ staff and joining Denver last offseason.

He has been connected to the Portland job for weeks. This is the first confirmation he has formally interviewed.

Sullivan brings a different path. He has worked under Mike Budenholzer, Ime Udoka and now Houston’s staff, building a reputation as a steady offensive mind. He also has local ties after playing at the University of Portland.

The bigger picture remains the same. The Blazers are casting a wide net.

Multiple candidates have been linked to the job, including Nets assistant Steve Hetzel, Lakers assistant Greg St. Jean and others. The team also reached out to veteran coaches Tom Thibodeau and Michael Malone, but neither engaged during the season.

Tiago Splitter led Portland to the playoffs as interim coach. He is not viewed as the favorite to land the full-time role.

New owner Tom Dundon appears to be taking a thorough approach, evaluating a wide range of options before making a decision.

The list is long. The process is ongoing.