Sam Mitchell won’t be the Minnesota Timberwolves head coach in 2016-17, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be without a head coaching job in the NBA.
After Mitchell led the Wolves to a 29-53 record this season – a 13 game improvement over the previous season, while taking over for the late Flip Saunders just before the start of the season – he was fired last week.
The Wolves decided to go outside the organization to hire their permanent replacement for Saunders, but some other teams could be in the market for Mitchell as their head coach.
ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that Mitchell is one of three being interviewed for the Sacramento Kings opening.
ESPN sources say Mark Jackson, Vinny Del Negro and Sam Mitchell will get the first three interviews for Sacramento's vacant coaching job.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 20, 2016
There’s no denying the Wolves improved during the season with Mitchell as their head coach. After starting the year 14-36, they began to bounce back on Groundhog Day.
MinnPost notes the Wolves finished the season 15-17 over their final 32 games, as the team relied on their young core of talent.
The Wolves are moving forward in their coaching search, as well. Minnesota reportedly interviewed former NBA coaches Tom Thibodeau, Scott Brooks and Jeff Van Gundy. They are also expected to interview Mark Jackson for the job this week.
