The Cleveland Cavs' coaching search is still on hold, as the team continues to survey its options to replace former head coach Mike Brown. The market for coaches seems to change daily, which is why we're here to help you cut through the noise with our Top 5 Cleveland Cavs Head Coaching Candidates As Of May 19th:
5. John Calipari
The Cavs have expressed interest in contacting the Kentucky Wildcats head coach, but is he actually ready to listen? The team circled Calipari's name once before in their attempt to keep LeBron James from leaving in free agency. Coach Cal has also seen his name linked to the Lakers' vacancy, and has been adamant about denying any desires to return to the NBA ranks. Call it a long shot for now.
4. Alvin Gentry
Gentry's availability may be tied to what exactly happens with the Los Angeles Clippers and exiled owner Donald Sterling these next few weeks. If Sterling somehow delays the process through the draft, the former Phoenix Suns head coach and current Clips assistant could be one of many team employees looking to jump ship and quickly. His ties to former Suns exec and current Cavs GM David Griffin could lead him to Cleveland, providing the Cavs' other options prove fruitless.
3. Lionel Hollins
If the Cavs want to turn into Memphis Grizzlies East, driving Eastern Conference teams into the ground with relentless defensive effort, Hollins is their man. The team saw a relative defensive resurgence under Mike Brown in 2013-14, and the former Grizzlies head coach is the perfect fit for pushing that newly found focus to the next level. Don't be surprised if he's at or near the top of this list as the weeks progress.
2. George Karl
The only reason that George Karl fell out of our top spot is the Cavs' silence on his wish to come in as the team's next head coach. While it may be seen as surveying their options, another team could very well come in and swoop Karl up in an executive or coaching role before the Cavs formally contact him. It would be a puzzling move for the team, especially with Karl's immaculate record of turning mediocre teams into winners.
1. Adrian Griffin
The Chicago Bulls assistant coach was the first name linked to the Cleveland Cavs' opening, and he may very well end up being the last man standing. Griffin's got major chops, honed under the tutelage of Chicago Bulls defensive guru Tom Thibodeau. If the Cavs are looking for a young head coach to grow along with the team, then perhaps Griffin could make the most sense for a team in the middle of a protracted rebuilding process.
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