Rick Carlisle Leaves Dallas Mavericks' Head Coaching Job

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle has informed Mark Cuban that he won't be returning next season, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.


Carlisle had two years left on his contract and spent 13 years as Dallas' head coach, leading them to a championship in 2011.

Owner Mark Cuban really liked Coach Carlisle, quoted saying, "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."


The Mavericks are now the seventh NBA team that will have a coaching vacancy. Carlisle will instantly become a viable candidate for the other coaching jobs around the league. He possesses a record of 836 wins and 689 losses and has 20 years of experience as a head coach.

As for Dallas' coaching job, Luka Doncic is a strong supporter of assistant coach Jamahl Mosley. Cuban plans to hire a new head of basketball operations before hiring a new coach.


Carlisle's departure comes a day after longtime GM Donnie Nelson left his position and rumors that Doncic may not commit to the Mavericks long term. The timing is certainly interesting, as the Mavs will now look to reconstruct a new front office and coaching staff.