It seems inevitable that former Duke basketball star JJ Redick will venture into coaching soon. Last season, he was reportedly considered for the head coaching position with the Toronto Raptors, engaging in interviews with the team. Now, he’s set to interview for the head coaching role with the Charlotte Hornets, according to multiple sources.
Shams Charania of The Athletic mentioned that Redick has expressed interest in coaching. However, he has also built a successful career in media, recently earning a promotion to the top NBA broadcast team at ESPN. Additionally, he hosts “The Old Man and the Three” podcast and collaborates on a podcast with LeBron James called “Mind the Game.”
Undoubtedly, taking on an NBA head coaching position would require him to step away from these media commitments.
The Charlotte Hornets are interviewing JJ Redick for their head coaching job, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 15-year NBA veteran and former Duke star has shown an interest in making a coaching jump in recent years.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 22, 2024
At 39 years old, JJ Redick concluded his 15-year NBA journey spanning six different teams at the end of the 2020-21 season. The coaching hunt for the Charlotte Hornets includes several names such as former Vanderbilt head coach Jerry Stackhouse, Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jordan Ott, and Houston Rockets assistant Royal Ivey. Steve Clifford’s decision to step down as head coach late last season opened up the vacancy.
The Hornets struggled last season, finishing with a 21-61 record, ranking third lowest in the Eastern Conference. Despite his extensive playing career, Redick lacks coaching experience at both professional and collegiate levels. However, according to Charania, he and Boston Celtics assistant coach Charles Lee are strong contenders for the position.
Interestingly, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla attempted to recruit Redick during the offseason, but Redick opted to stay in the media field. Mazzulla did manage to secure former Duke forward and assistant coach Amile Jefferson last summer.
While seeing Redick at the helm of an NBA team next season might seem unexpected, a return to North Carolina could present an enticing opportunity for the seasoned veteran.
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