Sources: Kings add Mark Jackson, Jeff Hornacek to interview lineup
The Sacramento Kings will interview Mark Jackson and Jeff Hornacek for their head-coaching vacancy later this week, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Kings have sit-downs scheduled in the coming days with Jackson, currently an ESPN NBA analyst, and Hornacek, formerly the Phoenix Suns' coach, in addition to previously scheduled interviews with former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt and current Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing.
Current Kings assistant coach Corliss Williamson, sources said, will also be interviewed for the position.
In addition, the Kings have secured permission to interview San Antonio Spurs assistants Ettore Messina and James Borrego, sources said. The sit-downs have not yet been formally scheduled, however, with the Spurs in the midst of a playoff series, sources said.
ESPN.com reported Sunday that Blatt would get the first of this week's interviews in the Kings' ongoing, broad search to find a replacement for George Karl. Hornets coach Steve Clifford confirmed Sunday that Sacramento had requested permission to interview Ewing.
The Kings, sources say, have already completed interviews with former Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell, former Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro and former New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson.
ESPN.com reported last week that the Kings have had exploratory conversations with Kevin McHale, who was fired by the Houston Rockets just 11 games into the current season.
Indiana Pacers assistant coach Nate McMillan and Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Elston Turner continue to be mentioned as potential targets, although USA Today reported Monday that Turner is likely to get an associate head coach post.
Jackson has spent the past two seasons back with ESPN after a three-season stint as coach of the Golden State Warriors, which ended in May 2014, after he posted a record of 121-109 and took the Warriors to the playoffs twice.
Hornacek was fired by Phoenix in January, with the Suns mired at 14-35 en route to a 23-59 finish. He posted a 103-112 record with the Suns in two-plus seasons.
Blatt interviewed for the Knicks' job last week and was on the list of potential targets for the Los Angeles Lakers' vacancy before the Lakers quickly came to terms with Luke Walton. ESPN.com reported last month that the Knicks' coaching search, to date, has been focused on interim coach Kurt Rambis, who is getting strong consideration for the full-time post, and Blatt.
Blatt's 30-11 record with the Cavaliers at the time of his dismissal in January made him the most successful coach in league history -- based on win percentage (.732) -- to lose his job during the season.
