New Nets Coach Jokes That He's OK Being '2nd Choice'

The Brooklyn Nets introduced their new head coach to the media on Wednesday. Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Jacque Vaughn has had the 'interim' label removed and is now the full-time head coach. He realizes that the Nets initially were angling to bring in the suspended former Celtics' coach Ime Udoka as their new leader after they fired Steve Nash four games ago. And he joked with the media that he's OK being second choice.

Jacque Vaughn on not being the first choice for Nets head coach:

"I said to my wife, I might've not been her first choice and we've been together 20 years, so it could all work out" 😂 pic.twitter.com/qKLnQzqSWW

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) November 9, 2022

“I guess I was the write-in candidate in the minds of elections right now, but I’m ok with that," Vaughn told the assembled media. "I said to my wife, I might not have been her first choice and we’ve been together 20 years, so it can all work out. So, off we go.” 

Then Vaughn continued his good-natured self-effacing newser, by comparing his facial grooming to the competition in New York. 

🔊 Jacque Vaughn speaks on becoming the Head Coach of the @BrooklynNets and which coach has the best beard in NYC. pic.twitter.com/oHWjgUBLkE

— NBA (@NBA) November 9, 2022

"My beard is better than Thibs’s. Even though his is more refined, I guess.” 

Vaughn has been smiling and upbeat from the moment he sat down in his seat a couple minutes ago. Given everything that’s happened here the past couple weeks (and years), it’s refreshing. https://t.co/ZOiG5j7kHf

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) November 9, 2022

Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports