The Trail Blazers‘ search for their next head coach is starting to take shape, with a multitude of names being added to the list of interviewees this week, and seemingly still more to come.
Five candidates have progressed to the second round of the process and will interview in person, according to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian (subscriber link): Jeff Van Gundy (Clippers), Tiago Splitter (Blazers), Micah Nori (Timberwolves), Tyler Lashbrook (Celtics), and Mike Williams (Jazz). While those coaches have been identified as “finalists,” more candidates could still join that group, as the team continues to hold preliminary interviews with other potential targets, including Jerry Stackhouse.
Part of the cause of the lack of clarity in reporting is the unusual method of the hiring search, Freeman writes, as the team still hasn’t decided whether it will hold in-person interviews in Portland, Dallas, or Raleigh, North Carolina, which would help new owner Tom Dundon stay close to his NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes, who are currently in the Eastern Conference finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
One name has already been eliminated from the search, as Jared Dudley (Nuggets) had an interview via Zoom, but did not make it to the next round, Freeman writes.
A source told The Oregonian that Portland will look to make its decision by the end of May, though that’s not necessarily viewed as a firm deadline.
We have more from around the Blazers:
- After a disappointing 2024/25 season, veteran forward Jerami Grant had a good year in ’25/26, averaging 18.6 points while hitting 38.9% of his threes in 29.7 minutes per game. He started 38 of his 57 games and provided a steadying presence throughout the year. It’s unclear what his future is with the team or elsewhere, given the large amount of money still owed to him and the ways his game has aged, Freeman writes (subscriber link). Grant is under contract for $34.2MM next season, with a $36.4MM player option in 2027/28, and his defense and rebounding have fallen off considerably since his time in Denver, making the prospect of trading him a tricky one.
- Blake Wesley looked poised to contribute in a real way this year, but a broken bone in his foot derailed his season in late October. He missed three months, during which time Splitter changed the team’s playing style, according to Freeman in a separate piece. When he returned, Wesley couldn’t quite match his early-season impact, but he remained a well-liked locker room presence. Whether he stays or goes this summer will depend on who else is out there. “If you, as an organization, feel like you can upgrade that third point guard spot, you do it. If you feel like you like him, you bring him back,” an anonymous scout said. “He’s an end-of-the-bench guy. Still young and not much more than a backup.” Another scout was slightly more complimentary: “I liked him. He’s a third point guard. Dynamic. He’s quick, athletic, (has) long arms, plays both side of the ball, puts pressure on the defense. He’s a minimum (contract) guy. He was really good for them. I like what I saw from him last year.”
- Another young player who was a pleasant surprise in 2025/26 was Sidy Cissoko, Freeman writes. The 22-year-old wing, who has a $2.5MM partially guaranteed deal for next season, ended up starting 26 games and having his two-day deal converted into a standard contract. “He’s only 22, but I feel like I’ve been watching this kid for five years,” a scout said. “He’s got a good feel for the game and he plays hard. That’s why coaches love him. But his lack of ability to shoot the ball is going to hurt him.” Cissoko shot 29.8% from three this season on 2.6 attempts, both of which were career-high numbers.