Houston Rockets Head Coach Search Dominates News

The search to fill the Houston Rockets head coaching vacancy is dominating news feeds and social media with several big names in the mix.

The ball starting rolling with the initial news that interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had removed his name from consideration, choosing to pursue other assistant coaching vacancies. That in itself either spoke to J.B. believing he wouldn’t get the full time job or his desire to get as far away from the toxic Rockets environment as possible.

Daryl Morey says the #Rockets head coach search will be thorough and "we're not going to do something quickly." pic.twitter.com/CwtQa5y4vB

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 29, 2016

Some assistant coaches (and former head coaches) have already been through the interview process:

• Sam Cassell currently with the Los Angeles Clippers as an Associate Coach, and also a former Houston Rockets player
• Mike D’Antoni currently with the Philadelphia 76ers as an Associate Coach and previous head coach with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers

ESPN sources say Sixers associate head coach Mike D'Antoni is interviewing for the Houston Rockets' coaching job this week

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 5, 2016

Report: Rockets interview Sam Cassell for head coach https://t.co/x083L5L1iw pic.twitter.com/eAWhl4xse0

— theScore NBA (@theScoreNBA) May 5, 2016

Former Head Coaches rumored to be on the list of potential candidates:

• Lionel Hollins who was fired from the Brooklyn Nets earlier this season and formerly coached the Memphis Grizzlies
• Jeff Hornacek previous Phoenix Suns head coach
• The big name that continues to receive the most hype is former Rockets coach and on-air analyst Jeff Van Gundy
• Though technically still the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, Frank Vogel contract is now up and rumors Larry Bird may head in a new direction keep surfacing. Bird’s end of season presser should add some clarification of what Indy’s plans are for Vogel

Happy anniversary to future and former Rockets head coach of this moment pic.twitter.com/v7K7B78lOh

— Jacob (@houstonfan00) April 29, 2016

Sources say Houston will also talk to Frank Vogel as well as part of a Kings-style broad search if the Pacers let Vogel go as many expect.

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 5, 2016

Former Players Expected or Rumored to be on list:

• Kenny “the Jet Smith” who was part of the back to back Clutch City titles while a player with the Rockets

Another out-of-the-box name Houston is said to be considering for a coaching interview: Rockets backcourt alumnus Kenny Smith (@TheJetOnTNT)

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 5, 2016

The Rockets are looking at hiring Kenny Smith as head coach. He has a grand total of 0 minutes as a coach. pic.twitter.com/Dm6Mc8MvIS

— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) May 5, 2016

NCAA Coaches Rumored to be on the list:

• Kansas Jayhawks – Bill Self
• University of Texas – Shaka Smart

Can't speak to the NBA aspirations of either one, but sources say two college coaches who intrigue the Rockets are Shaka Smart and Bill Self

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 5, 2016

Surely with rumors Mark Jackson is set to interview with the Sacramento Kings head coaching job, how much longer until his name gets added to the ever growing list of potential Houston Rockets candidates? What is known is that the Rockets will interview between 10 and 15 candidates, so the fact 9 names are being publicly touted makes us wonder how many more there are. Stay tuned as the list grows and Daryl Morey meets with anyone and everyone as a possible head coach for the Houston Rockets.

Make sure you check out Space City Scoops end of season Rockets Round Table:

Next: Houston Rockets SCS Roundtable Part 1

Next: Houston Rockets SCS Roundtable Part 2

Next: Houston Rockets SCS Roundtable Part 3

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