There isn't really a defensive coordinator position in the NBA, but if there was one, Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney surely fits that role to a tee. And in the eyes of Mavs head coach Jason Kidd, Sweeney is the next big thing in the NBA coaching table based on the admirable job Sweeney has been doing for Dallas' defense this season.

Via Tim MacMahon of ESPN:

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Jason Kidd on Sean Sweeney, who went 3-1 when Kidd was out and is in charge of Dallas’ drastically improved defense: “He’s next in line to be a head coach in this league. He’s doing all the right things.”

Kidd, who was not able to be with the Mavs in the team's past four games after he entered the league's health and safety protocols, has his trust in Sweeney go through the roof after the latter steered Dallas to a 3-1 record as the acting head coach. During that stretch, the Mavs limited opponents to just 99.5 points per game on 42.7 percent shooting from the field — third and sixth in the NBA during that same span.

The future is looking bright for Sweeney, and if the Mavs' defense sustains its form for the rest of the season, expect to hear more about the rising star in Dallas' coaching staff.