The Dallas Mavericks are strengthening their coaching team for the 2025-26 season by extending head coach Jason Kidd’s contract and bringing in Frank Vogel as the new lead assistant coach. Reported first by Hoopsype’s Michael Scotto, Vogel is set to replace Sean Sweeney, who recently joined the San Antonio Spurs staff. Vogel, who was head coach of the 2020 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers — with Kidd serving under him — will now team up with Kidd in Dallas.
Vogel initially joined the Mavericks as a consultant in October. He was most recently the head coach of the Phoenix Suns during the 2023-24 season but was let go after the team, despite making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, exited early. His coaching resume includes head coaching stints with the Lakers, Magic, and Pacers, and assistant coaching roles dating back to 2010-11 with the Pacers. Over his career, Vogel has a head coaching record of 488 wins and 422 losses and has coached two All-Star teams in 2014 and 2020.
The Mavericks’ coaching adjustments come amid other staff changes, including player development coach God Sham God reportedly moving to Orlando as an assistant coach. Kidd was also sought after by the New York Knicks for their head coaching vacancy, but Dallas blocked his interview and is expected to keep him long-term through his contract extension.
Kidd and his staff now face the task of developing Cooper Flagg, the franchise’s recent No. 1 draft pick. Flagg joins a supporting cast of seasoned veterans like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, easing the pressure on the young talent while aiming to keep the Mavericks competitive in the playoffs. Irving is returning from a season-ending knee injury, and the Mavericks have also agreed to a two-year deal with D’Angelo Russell to strengthen their guard positions.
Fan Take: This strategic reshuffling shows the Mavericks’ commitment to building a strong and experienced coaching foundation that can nurture young stars while competing at a high level. Adding a proven coach like Frank Vogel alongside Jason Kidd could elevate Dallas as a serious contender, offering basketball fans an exciting blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent to watch next season.
