5 Best Coaching Candidates To Replace Steve Kerr On Team USA

The next time Team USA takes the court, it will likely be under new leadership. Steve Kerr , who guided the USA men's basketball team to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is reportedly "not expected to continue" as head coach , according to NBA insider Marc Stein. With Kerr stepping down, USA Basketball is already eyeing potential replacements to continue their dominance of the sport.

Kerr, who took over from Gregg Popovich in December 2021 after serving as an assistant during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, led the team through both highs and lows. Despite a disappointing fourth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Kerr's squad bounced back in Paris, securing a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. However, Kerr had hinted back in November 2023 that the Paris Olympics would be his last run with Team USA and it likely will be. Here are the five best coaching replacements for Steve Kerr and each one comes with a strong resume.

1. Erik Spoelstra

Age: 53

Achievements: Two NBA Titles, 10 Coach Of The Month Awards

Erik Spoelstra is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most innovative and adaptable coaches and did a great job as Steve Kerr’s assistant in the 2024 Olympics. As the architect behind two Miami Heat championships and countless deep playoff runs, Spoelstra has proven his ability to maximize talent and manage egos on star-studded rosters. His experience working with elite players like LeBron James , Dwyane Wade, and Jimmy Butler would translate seamlessly to the international stage, where managing high-profile personalities is just as crucial as drawing up the right plays.

What makes Spoelstra an ideal fit for Team USA is his reputation for getting the most out of his players, regardless of their roles. His strategic acumen, particularly in making in-game adjustments and adapting to different styles of play, is a significant asset. In international competition, where teams from various countries bring unique approaches, Spoelstra’s versatility could be the key to sustaining USA Basketball's dominance.

At 53, Spoelstra is still in his coaching prime, bringing with him two NBA titles, 10 Coach of the Month awards, and over a decade of experience as one of the league's most respected figures. His ability to develop young talent and his deep understanding of the game would be invaluable in leading Team USA into the next era of international competition.

2. Tyronn Lue

Age: 47

Achievements: NBA Title, 3 Coach Of The Month Awards

The second assistant coach behind Steve Kerr, Tyronn Lue has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest coaching minds, known for his calm demeanor and ability to connect with players. Lue’s coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability and adaptability, two qualities that are essential for a Team USA head coach. His ability to handle star egos, exemplified during his time coaching LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love to an NBA title in 2016, makes him an excellent candidate for the role.

Lue’s strengths lie in his ability to make quick adjustments and foster team chemistry. His tactical flexibility has been evident in his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers , where he has navigated the challenges of injury-plagued seasons and still delivered competitive results. For a team like USA Basketball, where the talent pool is deep but time to build chemistry is short, Lue’s experience managing complex rotations would be invaluable.

At 47, Lue is already a seasoned coach with an NBA championship and three Coach of the Month awards to his name. His youth relative to other candidates suggests he could be a long-term solution for USA Basketball, helping to establish a new standard of excellence as international competition continues to tighten.

3. Dan Hurley

Age: 51

Achievements: 2× NCAA Division I Tournament, 2× NCAA Division I Regional – Final Four, Naismith Coach Of The Year

Dan Hurley’s rise to prominence in college basketball has been nothing short of remarkable and that is why the Los Angeles Lakers tried as hard as possible to get him on board to coach LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The head coach of the UConn Huskies, Hurley has turned the program into a national powerhouse, capturing two NCAA Division I Tournament championships and making multiple Final Four appearances. His emphasis on defense, discipline, and a team-first mentality would resonate well with a Team USA roster filled with stars who need to check their egos at the door for the greater good.

Hurley’s coaching style is rooted in grit and intensity, qualities that would be beneficial in international play where physicality and defense often dictate outcomes. His success in the NCAA, where he’s managed to bring out the best in young, developing players, mirrors the environment he’d face with Team USA—a mix of established stars and emerging talent. His ability to unite a group under a common goal makes him a strong candidate for leading the national team.

While Hurley lacks the NBA experience that other candidates bring, his resume is impressive with two NCAA Tournament titles and a Naismith Coach of the Year award. At 51, he represents a fresh voice capable of injecting new energy into USA Basketball, perhaps signaling a shift toward a more collegiate-style system that emphasizes teamwork and fundamentals.

4. Tom Thibodeau

Age: 66

Achievements: 2 Coach Of The Year Awards, 8 Coach Of The Month Awards

Tom Thibodeau is a defensive mastermind with a reputation for maximizing effort and accountability on the court. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Thibodeau has led teams like the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks to exceed expectations, primarily by instilling a culture of hard work and defensive excellence. For Team USA, where discipline and commitment can sometimes waver due to the abundance of star power, Thibodeau’s stern leadership could be exactly what’s needed.

Thibodeau’s focus on defense would be a significant asset on the international stage, where games are often decided by stops rather than sheer offensive firepower. His ability to develop and execute complex defensive schemes would help USA Basketball combat the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by international opponents.

With two NBA Coach of the Year awards and eight Coach of the Month honors, Thibodeau’s resume is impressive. At 66, he offers a blend of experience and energy that could help maintain the high standards set by his predecessors. Thibodeau’s no-excuses mentality might be just what Team USA needs to continue its dominance while adjusting to the evolving era that won’t include any legends including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Stephen Curry.

5. Mark Daigneault

Age: 39

Achievements: 1 Coach Of The Year Award

Mark Daigneault’s meteoric rise in the NBA coaching ranks has been nothing short of impressive. Fresh off winning the 2023-24 Coach of the Year award, Daigneault guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record, a remarkable achievement for one of the league's youngest head coaches. Under his leadership, the Thunder ranked third in the NBA in points per game (PPG), 11th in opponent points per game (OPPG), and finished second in net rating at +7.4.

What makes Daigneault a strong fit for Team USA is his ability to connect with and elevate young stars. His guidance has been instrumental in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s transformation into a bona fide superstar, and his player-friendly approach has resonated throughout the Thunder’s roster.

As USA Basketball prepares to usher in a new generation of talent, including emerging stars like Anthony Edwards, Daigneault’s fresh ideas and emphasis on player empowerment would be ideal for fostering team cohesion and maximizing the potential of a young, dynamic roster. At just 39 years old, Daigneault represents the future of coaching and Team USA could use some fresh blood.

Related: Ranking The Greatest Olympic Coaches In Team USA History

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