Who Is Jordi Fernandez? National Success Lands 41 YO New York Franchise’s Head Coaching Opportunity

There is a coaching change on the line as the Brooklyn Nets fan continue their wait for a healthy Ben Simmons. Near the all-star break this season, the Nets surprisingly fired their head coach Jacque Vaughn. Choosing to bring in another coach like the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nets instead played out the disappointing season under the interim coach Kevin Ollie. Now, after ending the season with a 32-50 record, sources cite that the Kings‘ assistant Jordi Fernandez can spearhead the franchise.

The 41-year-old has been one of the core coaching minds behind the franchise’s recent rise, making him a top candidate on the Nets’ radar for the head coaching role. Last year, he joined the Kings and immediately weighed in for their first playoffs in nearly two decades. Moreover, with great help around him, the Kings’ then-head coach, Mike Brown, won the Coach of the Year award too.

This season, Jordi helped the Kings pave a route to the In-Season Tournament, and earn a spot within the Play-ins. With his time alongside Sacramento’s youngsters; De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, and Keegan Murray saw a spike in their performances; all while leveling against the likes of the Warriors and Lakers.

With that, the Nets anticipate that Jordi can revitalize their young core of Mikal Bridges, Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, and Cameron Johnson. Jordi’s ongoing deal with the Nets remains unofficial. The assistant coach will continue helping Sacramento this season. The team sits at the bottom with their new rivals, the Warriors, and aims to redeem their last year’s playoff exit.

Jordi Fernandez knows a thing or two about winning!

Jordi, over the years, has cultivated a positive rapport across the league. In 2009, he began his NBA career through being a player development coach under Mike Brown. During his years, he trained players like Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, and Matthew Dellavedova.

Before Brown summoned Jordi Fernandez again for his Sactown roster last season, he underwent 6 crucial years under the champion coach Mike Malone with the Denver Nuggets. Even though the franchise failed to win a chip during Jordi’s tenure, the 41-year-old coach surely learned plenty about managing young/emerging talents and orchestrating a winning roster.

Nevertheless, Jordi’s most illustrious feat comes on the global stage. Starting his coaching journey during his teenage years in Spain, Fernandez got a chance to coach Team Canada in last year’s FIBA World Cup. The Spanish coach put his name on the map, helping Canada bite its first medal; all while helping his teammates battle a few demons of their own.

Canada’s medal game was slated against Team USA which was mockingly referred to as Canada’s elder brother due to their star-studded lineup of NBA players. However, behind Jordi’s playbook, Canada defeated USA 127-118. While Jordi managed to turn heads with the feat, his players reaped great rewards. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander was named the nation’s athlete of the year (2023) under his FIBA leadership. Moreover, Dillon Brooks, who came out of a controversial playoff exit against LeBron James, embraced his ‘villainous’ role – becoming the Best Defensive Player of the tournament.