Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd has formally withdrawn himself from consideration in the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching search, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Blazers fired longtime head coach Terry Stotts after a first round playoff exit.
Kidd seemed to be the front runner for the Blazers job after Blazers star Damian Lillard publicly endorsed him via Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes. According to Wojnarowski, that endorsement is ultimately what caused Kidd to feel uncomfortable with taking the job. Kidd and Lillard have a strong relationship due to their Oakland roots.
Kidd, reportedly the highest paid assistant in the NBA, has also been linked to an open Boston Celtics head coaching position.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has often endorsed Kidd as a future head coach. The former star point guard has previously been the lead man for the Nets and the Bucks.
Kidd removing himself from consideration for the Blazers job also comes amidst criticism from the Portland fanbase, mainly due to an arrest during his playing career for alleged domestic violence.
For now, it appears Kidd will remain on the Lakers bench though there is no shortage of openings. Besides the Celtics, the Orlando Magic have an opening while the Indiana Pacers are expected to move on from their head coach but no official decision has been made.