Jason Kidd, Fred Vinson Among Those Linked To Pelicans Job

Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson, Lakers assistant Jason Kidd and Bucks assistant Charles Lee are among the potential candidates to replace the departed Stan Van Gundy as Pelicans coach, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Nets assistants Jacque Vaughn and Ime Udoka may also be under consideration, Wojnarowski reported.

Kidd, Lee and Udoka have been mentioned as potential candidates with several other openings, including the Celtics and Magic. Kidd is actually expected to interview with the Magic, per Melissa Rohlin of FOX Sports.

In all, there are six current NBA coaching vacancies — Pelicans, Celtics, Magic, Pacers, Wizards and Trail Blazers.

The Pelicans parted ways with Van Gundy after just one season and a 31-41 finish. He became the second coach to part ways with his team after just one year on the job, joining Nate Bjorkgren of the Pacers.

Wojnarowski wrote that Vinson will receive “serious consideration” for the position, given that he has been an assistant with the organization since 2010, first with Monty Williams, followed by Alvin Gentry and Van Gundy, respectively.

“On behalf of (team owner) Gayle Benson and the Pelicans organization, I would like to thank Stan for the integrity and professionalism that he demonstrated during his time in New Orleans, as well as the commitment and work ethic he brought to our team,” Pelicans head of basketball operations David Griffin said in a team statement.

“This was a difficult decision as I have tremendous respect for Stan both personally and professionally, but we agreed it is in the best interest of our team to move forward in a different direction. We wish Stan, Kim and their family all the best in the future.”