Kings rumors: Mark Jackson among 3 finalists named for Sacramento job

It looks like the Sacramento Kings are progressing nicely in search for their next head coach, as they already have their Top 3 finalists.

It looks like the Sacramento Kings are progressing nicely in search for their next head coach.

After firing head coach Luke Walton earlier in the 2021-22 season and parting ways with interim coach Alvin Gentry after they missed the playoffs once again, the Kings have trimmed down their coaching candidates to just three. Former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson is among the finalists, along with Dubs assistant Mike Brown and Brooklyn Nets consultant Steve Clifford, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Kings have also reportedly started notifying their candidates about moving on to in-person meetings.

Mark Jackson has emerged as a finalist for the Sacramento Kings head coaching job, sources tell me and @sam_amick. Kings GM Monte McNair has begun to notify candidates whether they will move onto in-person meetings.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 30, 2022

Golden State assistant Mike Brown and Brooklyn consultant Steve Clifford are among finalists for Sacramento Kings’ head coaching job, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 30, 2022

Mark Jackson last coached in the NBA in 2014, and he's often credited for helping develop the Warriors' championship roster. While he was unable to lead the Dubs to the promised land, he was a big part on how the Golden State core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green came to be.

Mike Brown, meanwhile, has tons of championship experience having served as Warriors assistant head coach since 2016. He is a stabilizing presence for Golden State, and he has proven that he can handle the pressure of being a head coach for a playoff team. That could be a major factor for a Kings team looking to break their 16-year playoff drought.

On the other hand, Steve Clifford is a veteran coach who previously headed the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic. A defensive-minded tactician, he was hired by the Nets as consultant in 2021.

It remains to be seen who the Kings will choose as their next coach, but they certainly have a solid list of choice that could help them turn things around for the franchise.