The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Jacque Vaughn following a run of five defeats in six games.
A pair of losses to the Boston Celtics last week left the Nets 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 21-33 record, with the second of those coming by a 136-86 scoreline ahead of the All-Star break.
Vaughn, who previously coached the Orlando Magic between 2012 and 2015 and failed to oversee a playoff run in that time, took over in Brooklyn following Steve Nash’s exit in November 2022.
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The former guard led the Nets to the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in his only full season in charge, though they were then swept by the Philadelphia 76ers.
In a statement, general manager Sean Marks said: “This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the team going forward.
The Brooklyn Nets have relieved Jacque Vaughn of his head coaching duties. An interim head coach will be named in the near future.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 19, 2024
“Jacque has represented this organization with exemplary character and class for the past eight years.
“The consistent positivity and passion he poured into our team daily will remain with the players and staff he interacted with throughout his tenure.
“We thank Jacque for all he has done for the Nets and the borough of Brooklyn, and wish him, Laura and their family nothing but the best in the future.”
In an update posted on social media, the Nets said an interim head coach will be appointed “in the near future”. Vaughn’s permanent successor will oversee a major overhaul, with Brooklyn possessing the necessary cap space to build around forward Mikal Bridges for next year.
