Mavericks GM on coaching search: ‘We don’t have exact timeline’

The Mavericks don’t appear to be in any hurry to fill their head coaching vacancy.

Specifically, general manager Mike Schmitz said the organization is taking a thorough approach as it searches for a replacement for Jason Kidd.

“We’re being very thorough in our approach and just continuing to kind of stick to our process there and evaluating everything,” Schmitz said, via DallasHoopsJournal. “We don’t have an exact timeline for it.”

Dallas parted ways with Kidd earlier this month after team president Masai Ujiri called for a “clean slate” following one of the most turbulent stretches in franchise history.

While league observers have generally expected the Mavericks to target an experienced head coach, Schmitz suggested the organization is keeping an open mind.

“Our goal is to focus on a handful of the traits that we’re looking for, evaluate the market and make the best decision possible for the franchise,” he said. “Obviously, we understand that this is a huge decision and one we’re going to do everything we can to get right.”

The coaching search comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise.

After consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, Dallas is attempting to build around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg while also preparing for the return of Kyrie Irving, who said he is nearing full health following ACL surgery.

Ujiri has already reshaped portions of the front office since arriving in Dallas, hiring Schmitz as general manager and making it clear that organizational changes remain ongoing.

Now, finding the right coach may be the biggest decision still left on the table.