Following a disappointing run in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets won’t avoid a potential key loss on their coaching staff.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley was recently interviewed by the Portland Trail Blazers for their head coach position.
So far, he is one of the first names to get linked to the job.
via Michael Scotto, HoopHype: Sources: The Trail Blazers interviewed Jared Dudley for their head coaching position. Dudley is the lead assistant coach for the Nuggets. He was also an assistant coach for the Mavericks. He spent 14 NBA seasons with the Bobcats, Suns, Clippers, Bucks, Wizards, Nets, and Lakers.
The Nuggets Could Lose Jared Dudley To The Blazers
GettyDENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 09: Jared Dudley #6 of the Brooklyn Nets plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 9, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The 2025-2026 NBA season was Dudley’s first year on the Nuggets’ bench. He was hired by David Adelman as the head coach’s first top assistant, since he took over for Michael Malone amid the 2024-2025 season.
Denver is Dudley’s second coaching location since wrapping up his playing career.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 23: Jared Dudley #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Brooklyn Netsat Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Before joining the Nuggets, Dudley joined the Dallas Mavericks‘ staff in 2021. He was a 14-year NBA veteran joining the former point guard, Jason Kidd, in a key role. After a season full of ups and downs in 2024-2025 with the Mavs, Dudley moved on.
The Latest On The Blazers’ Search
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 03: Acting head coach Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Trail Blazers lost their head coach, Chauncey Billups, at the beginning of the year due to legal issues. The Blazers had Tiago Splitter take over. He coached the Blazers throughout the entire 2025-2026 season.
While Splitter did a solid job, coaching the Blazers to a 42-40 record, cracking the seventh seed in the NBA Playoffs, he is not expected to return as the head coach for next season. Therefore, the Blazers are on the hunt for a new voice.
More candidates are expected to be revealed over time, but Portland has officially threatened the Nuggets with their recent interview.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Denver Nuggets Could Lose Key Coach to Portland Trail Blazers appeared first on HEAVY.