http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/18/3327264/st-johns-assistant-mike-dunlap.html St. John’s assistant named Bobcats’ head coach Dunlap known as teacher, collaborator, basketball junkie Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/20...ohns-assistant-mike-dunlap.html#storylink=cpy St. John’s assistant Mike Dunlap is the next Charlotte Bobcats coach, the Observer has learned. Dunlap, 54, is a former Denver Nuggets assistant who was acting head coach this season at St. John’s while Steve Lavin was recovering from prostate cancer surgery. A source familiar with the process said Dunlap was offered the job Monday night, after interviewing in Charlotte with owner Michael Jordan, vice chairman Curtis Polk, president of basketball operations Rod Higgins and general manager Rich Cho. He has accepted. Dunlap was one of 10 candidates interviewed since the Bobcats opened this search May 8, but the only one offered the job, the source confirmed. Dunlap will replace Paul Silas, who was not given a new contract following the season. So who is Dunlap and why was he hired as fifth coach in the Bobcats’ nine-year existence? The Observer’s source, who asked for anonymity because Dunlap’s hire isn’t official, said Dunlap impressed the front office with his high energy and collaborative approach. Also, he wants to run an up-tempo offense and attacking defense that figures to fit some of the Bobcats’ younger personnel. Dunlap has spent most of his career at the college level, working for, among others, Lute Olson in Arizona. He essentially ran the St. John’s program last season, both game days and off days, while Lavin recovered from surgery. There were far more prominent candidates, such as Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and former Supersonics and Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan. Various media reports, including one by the Observer, had the Bobcats narrowing their finalists to Sloan, Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw and Los Angeles Lakers assistant Quin Snyder. Sloan removed his name from consideration last week, before a decision was made. Nuggets coach George Karl spoke glowingly of Dunlap in comments quoted this season on the St. John’s athletic department web site. “Mike Dunlap absolutely elevates every player and team he comes in contact with,’’ Karl said. “He takes you from good to great. Name every top-level, elite coach in the game – the only difference between Mike and them is their addresses…There is absolutely no one better.’’ Before joining Karl’s staff, Dunlap was a Division II head coach at Metropolitan State College, also in Denver. He coached that program to two national championships and nine straight appearances in that level’s NCAA tournament. Dunlap is married with three children. Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/20...ohns-assistant-mike-dunlap.html#storylink=cpy
I'm thinking a little of the opposite Jordan's decisions are mostly "name brand" like. Not really the unheralded guys. Plus going with a lower name, they can have a "developmental" coach, AKA one that will TANK even more. He can either warm the seat for the next coach while tanking, or grow into the role. Semi-similar to Scott Brooks (At least I WANT to think its more "doing the homework" instead of another fail move)
Makes sense. He probably will cost them very little money, and it's not like they care about wins and losses anyway. Basically will be running a glorified DLeague team where his main job will be get their high potential guys some experience. And he's old enough where he won't mind getting scapegoated when the Bobcats eventually suck horribly and need to fire him for the hell of it.
also coached in the Australian National Basketball league, for my local team in Adelaide, had the reputation for developing young players and when he came in, moved on a bunch of veterans
dude probably had the lowest asking price for a salary. i'm guessing the bobcats didn't want to spend at all for a coach when the roster is as bad as it is.
