Jason Kidd Withdraws Name From Portland Head Coaching Job

Despite, in fact, because of, Damian Lillard's public push for him, Lakers Assistant Coach Jason Kidd will NOT pursue the Portland Trail Blazers' head coaching position.

Lakers assistant Jason Kidd has withdrawn his name from consideration for Portland’s head coaching vacancy, Kidd tells ESPN. “Portland’s a first-class organization and will have great candidates…but I’ve decided not to be one of them.” https://t.co/UQgZ0YNxv5

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 6, 2021

Kidd said he was "uncomfortable" with Portland franchise player Damian Lillard's "Jason Kidd is the guy I want" very public push for Kidd, just hours after his head coach Terry Stotts was let go. 

Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard tells @YahooSports his preference to be the next head coach of the franchise is Jason Kidd: “[He’s] the guy I want.” https://t.co/xzeI7lf3vn

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 5, 2021

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Kidd was concerned that his entry would compromise the Trail Blazers' head coaching search process due to Lillard's public statement. 

“Portland’s a first-class organization and will have great candidates," said Kidd. "But I’ve decided not to be one of them.”

Photo Credit:  Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports