A legendary figure in Portland's history has expressed interest in a reunion, as the franchise weighs veteran experience against fresh perspectives for its vacant head coaching position.
As the Portland Trail Blazers continue their search this offseason for a new head coach, a familiar face has potentially entered at least the hypothetical mix.
It’s always a two-way street when it comes to hiring. The team has to be interested in the potential coach, but the coach also has to be interested in the team. And according to a recent report from longtime Portland reporter Dwight Jaynes, former Blazers head coach Terry Stotts has expressed interest in returning to the organization, saying he’d “love to come back to the Blazers and Portland.”
The report also notes that Stotts’ agent has reached out to the franchise regarding potential opportunities.
This comes on the heels of additional news that Stotts will not return to the Golden State Warriors next season. He spent this past season as an assistant under Steve Kerr, but is now expected to consider head coaching opportunities this offseason.
Stotts, 68, remains one of the most successful coaches in Blazers history. During his nine-year tenure in Portland, he led some of the best teams in franchise history, highlighted by the 2018-19 group that reached the Western Conference Finals.
As the Blazers continue their search, Stotts would not be the only option. There will be plenty of others considered as Portland evaluates the best direction for the franchise.
But if the organization does opt to go with a familiar face who is already popular among the fan base, perhaps Stotts could be a real name to watch this summer.