By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Rick Carlisle will not return as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, he informed Mark Cuban on Thursday and confirmed to ESPN, shortly before the announcement made by the team.
“After a number of in-person conversations with Mark Cuban over the last week, today I informed him that I will not be returning as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks,” he noted, “This was solely my decision. My family and I have had an amazing 13-year experience working with great people in a great city. It has been an honor to work alongside Mark, Cynt, Donnie, Fin, Keith, Dirk, Jkidd and every player and every assistant coach I’ve had here. Dallas will always be my home, but I am excited about the next chapter in my coaching career.”
Carlisle, 61, was in charge of guiding the Dallas organization since 2008 with the 2011 NBA championship marking his 13-year run. He had two more years left in his contract.
“I truly love Rick Carlisle. He was not only a good coach but also a friend and a confidant. Our relationship was so much more than basketball. And I know that won’t ever change,” said Cuban to ESPN.
His departure follows GM Donnie Nelson parting ways with the Mavs after 24 years. Luka Doncic has already confessed it was tough to see him go. The 2021-22 picture got even more unclear with the emerging vacancy in the head coaching position.
The Mavericks were eliminated in seven games by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2021 Playoffs.
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