The NBA coaching carousel is heating up, and two of college basketball’s brightest minds are suddenly in the mix. Duke’s Jon Scheyer and South Carolina’s Dawn Staley have both been linked to head coaching vacancies, signaling a potential seismic shift from the collegiate ranks to the pros.
The Dallas Mavericks currently hold the most coveted opening after parting ways with Jason Kidd last week. The Mavs, who feature rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, are casting a wide net. According to reports, the team has reached out to Scheyer, though the Duke head coach appears committed to his current post. But Scheyer isn’t the only big name on their list—Dallas is also expected to pursue Staley, the three-time national champion and Hall of Famer.
Dawn Staley’s potential leap to the NBA isn’t new. Last summer, she interviewed for the New York Knicks job and admitted she would have accepted it. “I would have had to do it,” Staley said on the “Post Moves” podcast in April. “Not just for me. For women. To break that door open. I would have had to. It’s the New York Knicks.” That same determination could make her a compelling candidate for the Mavericks.
Yet Staley remains skeptical about the league’s readiness for a female head coach. “But I’ll say this,” she added, “no NBA team is ready for a female coach right now.” Her comments highlight the ongoing barriers women face in professional sports leadership, even as she continues to shatter ceilings in college basketball. For more on Staley’s potential NBA future, check out her candidacy for the Dallas job.
Jon Scheyer, meanwhile, is no stranger to NBA speculation. After taking over for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, Scheyer has quickly built a reputation as one of the game’s sharpest young minds. The Mavericks’ interest isn’t surprising, given Scheyer’s ability to develop top talent like Flagg. However, sources indicate he’s focused on his current role with the Blue Devils. For a deeper dive into Scheyer’s potential pro move, see NBA teams circling Duke’s Jon Scheyer.
The Mavericks aren’t alone in their pursuit. Other NBA teams are reportedly monitoring both coaches, and the buzz around Staley has only grown since her Knicks interview. Staley’s salary already outpaces many men’s college coaches, but an NBA job would be a historic milestone. Her salary and achievements make her a natural fit for a league seeking fresh perspectives.
As the coaching market evolves, the question remains: Will either Scheyer or Staley make the jump? For now, both seem content in college, but the NBA’s allure is undeniable. Staley’s call for unity and her graceful handling of past controversies—like the recent spat with Geno Auriemma—show she has the poise for the big stage. Read more about Staley’s graceful exit from that feud.
Time will tell if the Mavericks or another team can convince either coach to leave their college powerhouse. But one thing is certain: the NBA’s coaching landscape is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
