Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown made a strong impression in his interview with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Brown is among the candidates for the team’s coaching vacancy and has a reputation for knocking interviews out of the park. Stein reported that Brown is an “emerging candidate” with the Clippers.
Former Cavs coach Tyronn Lue is also said to be in the running, as is Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham. Lue spent last season as Doc Rivers‘ lead assistant with the Clippers and will interview for the Houston Rockets’ vacancy later in the week, Stein reported.
Brown, 50, has served as associate head coach under Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors since 2016. He previously interviewed with the Philadelphia 76ers, a job that eventually went to Rivers. Brown has also drawn interest from the Indiana Pacers.
Prior to joining the Warriors, Brown served two stints with the Cavaliers (2005-10 and 2013-14). He coached the Cavs to a Finals appearance in 2007, during LeBron James‘ first run with the franchise.
Brown also coached the Lakers during the lockout-shortened season of 2011-12. But he lasted just five games of the next season, after his attempt to install a version of the Princeton offense fell flat.
He has compiled a 347-216 record over eight seasons, having coached LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.