Nets hire Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez as coach
Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez is getting his first crack at coaching his own NBA team.
The Brooklyn Nets have named Jordi Fernández as the 24th head coach in the franchise’s NBA history. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.
“We’re thrilled to announce Jordi Fernández as Brooklyn’s new head coach,” said General Manager Sean Marks. “As we progressed through an extensive search over the past six weeks, it became increasingly clear that Jordi is the best coach to lead our team forward. Jordi brings a diverse set of experiences and basketball knowledge gained over the course of a coaching career that has taken him around the world. Each step of the way, Jordi has consistently demonstrated the ability to implement strong processes and creative systems designed to optimize each team’s specific roster. He’s proven the ability to build genuine relationships and garner the respect of players of all levels, and we’re confident that our players will benefit greatly from his expertise. We look forward to Jordi, Kelsey and their children joining the Nets family and calling Brooklyn home.”
Got our guy.
Welcome to Brooklyn, coach Fernández! pic.twitter.com/unTgOh0vPA
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) April 22, 2024
Fernández joins the Nets after spending the last two seasons (2022-24) as associate head coach of the Sacramento Kings. Last season, he helped lead the Kings to the 2023 Pacific Division title and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference in Sacramento’s first postseason appearance since the 2005-06 season.
The Badalona, Spain, native also currently serves as the head coach of Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team, a position he has held since June 2023. Last summer, he led Canada to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, representing Canada’s first-ever medal in the event. Under Fernández’s direction, Canada registered an overall record of 6-2, including a win over Team USA for third place.
“We are excited to welcome Jordi Fernández and his family to the Nets big family. Jordi’s character as a leader and his emphasis on structure, process and habits will instill a Nets identity that our fans will want to root for,” said Nets Governor Joe Tsai. “We look forward to working with Jordi to build a sustainable winning culture in Brooklyn.”
Prior to joining the Kings, Fernández spent six seasons (2016-22) as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets made four consecutive playoff appearances (2019-22) during Fernández’s time in Denver, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2020.
He previously served two seasons (2014-16) as head coach of the Canton Charge in the NBA G League after spending four seasons (2009-13) as a player development coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers and one season (2013-14) as Canton’s lead assistant coach. While at the helm in Canton, Fernández led the Charge to a 62-38 regular season record and consecutive appearances in the NBA G League Eastern Conference Finals.
“I am truly grateful to lead the Nets as head coach and cannot thank Joe, Clara and Sean enough for this exciting and humbling opportunity,” said Fernández. “My family and I are thrilled to join such an incredible organization and become part of the vibrant Brooklyn community. I am eager to get to work with this talented group of players and collectively drive our team forward. Together, we will be fully committed to building something special for Nets fans and the borough to be proud of for years to come.”
Fernández has also held a number of other coaching roles on the global stage, including serving as the lead assistant for the Nigerian National Team at the 2020 Olympics and the Spanish National Team at both EuroBasket 2017 and the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championships in Prague. He has also spent time coaching for Club Basquet L’Hospitalet in Spain and as a player development coach with Impact Basketball in Las Vegas.
