Rick Carlisle resigned as the Dallas Mavericks head coach, creating an opening for one of the most desirable jobs in the NBA. After accepting the same position with the Indiana Pacers, according to ESPN, Carlisle has recommended that Jason Kidd be his successor.

Kidd played for Carlisle and the Mavericks during their 2011 championship run. Previously a head coach with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, Kidd is currently a Los Angeles Lakers’ assistant coach.

"My hope is that Jason Kidd will be the next coach of the Mavs because he and Luka (Doncic) have so many things in common as players," Carlisle told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. "I just think that it would be a great situation for Luka, and I think it would be an amazing situation for Jason. I'm the only person on the planet that's coached both of those guys and that knows about all of their special qualities as basketball players. To me, that just would be a great marriage, but that's just an opinion."

Before Carlisle left Dallas, it was rumored that his job might be in jeopardy next season because of a tumultuous relationship with Donic. A back-to-back All-NBA First-Team selection at just 22 years old, Doncic is widely considered to be the league’s best young player.

Kidd is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Doncic could be the league's top point guard for years to come, making Dallas' head coaching position an attractive one.

Doncic and the Mavericks have been eliminated by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs in two straight seasons. The star point guard is close with Mavericks assistant coach Jamahl Mosley, who is a candidate to replace Carlisle.

Kidd has been brought up as a potential coaching candidate by several members of Dallas’ front office, ESPN reports. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said the team won’t hire a new head coach until it finds a new president of basketball operations.

In four and a half seasons as a head coach, Kidd had a .491 winning percentage with only one playoff series victory. Kidd joined Lakers head coach Frank Vogel’s staff for the 2019-2020 season, during which Los Angeles won the title.

There are five head coaching vacancies in the NBA. Former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts, Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups and San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon are among the candidates that have been linked to multiple openings.

Carlisle coached the Mavericks from 2008-2021. Dallas made nine postseason appearances and won a championship during that time.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic passes the ball against Brandon Clarke, 15, and Justise Winslow ,7, of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at American Airlines Center
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic passes the ball against Brandon Clarke, 15, and Justise Winslow ,7, of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at American Airlines Center GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / TOM PENNINGTON
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