Current ESPN analyst and former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson has been one of the hottest head coaching candidates in this year's hiring cycle, and it appears he's already on the short list for at least one job.
Jackson is a finalist for the Sacramento Kings' open position, according to The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania. Kings general manager Monte McNair has begun notifying candidates whether they will receive an in-person interview, Charania added.
In addition, Warriors assistant Mike Brown and Brooklyn Nets consultant Steve Clifford have been named finalists for the job, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
While Jackson is best-known for being an analyst, he spent time coaching the Warriors from 2011-12 to 2013-14. The 57-year-old went 121-109 in his three seasons behind the bench and led Golden State to the postseason in 2013 and 2014.
The Warriors fired Jackson after the team's 2014 playoff run ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 of the first round. The sides reportedly had a fading relationship at the time and tension began to build when the franchise didn't offer him a significant contract extension after the 2012-13 season.
That said, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jackson return to the NBA for the 2022-23 season. Analyst Jordan Schultz reported that in addition to the Kings, Jackson has also drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, who fired Frank Vogel after a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, and the Charlotte Hornets, who fired James Borrego after four seasons.