Jason Kidd isn’t closing the door on coaching just yet.
After the Mavericks and their former head coach mutually agreed to part ways in May, Kidd said he remains open to another sideline job down the line. The 53-year-old is in the Philippines for an NBA-related fan event, and in an interview with Rappler, he made it clear that retirement from coaching isn’t necessarily permanent.
“ I would never say no to coaching, maybe somewhere down the future,” Kidd said. “ But right now, I’m just at home really trying to enjoy my family. And then also just watching the game and seeing if I can help others.”
Even without a team on his résumé right now, Kidd said he’s still leaning into the teacher role that has followed him since his playing days ended.
“ Still from the coaching side, I’m always talking to Jalen Brunson and to Giannis (Antetokounmpo),” Kidd continued. “ So just trying to help others now that I’m not coaching.”
Kidd spent five seasons as Dallas’ head coach and finished 205-205. The Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024 under his watch, but they also missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
Before becoming a coach, Kidd built a Hall of Fame playing career that began with him going second overall in the 1994 draft. He was a 10-time All-Star over 19 seasons and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
His coaching path started right after he retired as a player in 2013. He spent one season as Brooklyn’s head coach, parts of four years leading the Bucks, and two seasons as an assistant with the Lakers before taking over in Dallas.
Kidd reportedly still had four years and $40MM+ left on his contract when he left the Mavs.
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