Cavaliers Seek “New Voice, Fresh Eyes” In Coaching Change
**Cleveland, OH —** Following the dismissal of J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cleveland Cavaliers have begun a full search for their next head coach — and the criteria they’ve established make clear what direction the franchise hopes to head. ([NBA][1])
### What the Cavaliers Want
According to team statements and league sources, Cleveland’s leadership is targeting a coach who offers:
1. **A Different Voice / New Approach**
President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman noted that while Bickerstaff had success, the team feels it is time to shake things up with “someone with a new approach, someone with a different voice, a fresh set of eyes to help us move forward.” ([NBA][1])
2. **Strong Track Record in Player Development**
The Cavaliers’ roster includes young stars and high-upside pieces (like Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell). The next coach must be able to unlock their potential and grow the supporting cast. ([Hoops Wire][2])
3. **NBA Head Coaching Experience (or High Upside)**
Rather than a first-time head coach, reports suggest Cleveland is interviewing candidates who already have head coaching experience or strong credentials as assistants in successful systems. ([SI][3])
For instance, Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans associate head coach James Borrego were granted permission to be interviewed. ([SI][3])
4. **Alignment With Core Player Commitment**
The Cavaliers have publicly expressed their desire to keep their core — particularly Donovan Mitchell. The next coach must be someone who can maximize that core rather than force a rebuild. ([NBA][1])
5. **Immediate Impact & “Win‑Now” Mindset**
Cleveland’s ownership and front office are not expecting a long runway. There is pressure to produce results relatively quickly, turning potential into wins. ([NBC Sports][4])
One insider described the Cavs as a “win-now team not looking to break in a new guy.” ([NBC Sports][4])
6. **Adaptability & Fresh Ideas**
The franchise is looking for someone who brings fresh tactical ideas — whether in offensive systems, defensive schemes, or roster usage — to push past current ceilings. ([NBA][1])
The “fresh eyes” language suggests they want innovation rather than a retread of what’s already been done.
### Who’s in the Mix — And What That Signals
* **Kenny Atkinson** has been mentioned as gaining momentum in the coaching search. His experience coaching in Brooklyn (and his reputation as a developmental coach) make him a strong fit for many of Cleveland’s stated criteria. ([SI][5])
* **James Borrego** is another candidate, with head coaching experience in Charlotte and familiarity as an assistant in multiple systems. ([SI][3])
* Lesser-known candidates such as **Micah Nori** (Timberwolves assistant) and **Johnnie Bryant** (Knicks assistant) have also been interviewed in what is described as a “fluid and ongoing” search. ([Cavaliers Nation][6])
That breadth of interviews suggests Cleveland is taking a careful, wide search rather than rushing into a selection. ([Cavaliers Nation][6])
### Challenges the New Coach Will Face
* **High expectations** right out of the gate, given the team’s recent playoff performance and roster talent.
* **Balancing star egos & roles** — especially getting maximum output from Mitchell and Garland while integrating supporting players.
* **Pressure to get over the playoff hump** — Cleveland has come close, and the next coach must push the team past its current barrier.
* **Maintaining vs. changing culture** — building on what works while challenging what doesn’t.
—
If you like, I can pull up the most recent developments (2025 season) on whether the Cavs have landed a final candidate or how their coaching search has evolved. Do you want me to update?
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/cavs-announce-kenny-atkinson-new-head-coach-2024-06-28/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-cavs-sign-president-koby-altman-extension-2025-07-14/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [fearthesword.com](https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-analysis/39131/hes-a-coachs-dream-kenny-atkinson-says-isaac-okoro-was-one-of-his-favorites?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://www.nba.com/news/cavs-begin-search-for-next-coach-after-bickerstaff-dismissal?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Cavs begin search for next coach after J.B. Bickerstaff dismissal | NBA.com”
[2]: https://hoopswire.com/nba-exec-cavaliers-10-candidates-head-coaching-job-cavs-rumors-news/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “NBA Exec Reveals Why Cavaliers Are Interviewing 10 Candidates For Head Coaching Job”
[3]: https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers/news/report-cleveland-cavaliers-receive-permission-to-interview-two-head-coach-candidates?utm_source=chatgpt.com “REPORT: Cavaliers Receive Permission To Interview Two Head Coach Candidates”
[4]: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/cleveland-reportedly-to-interview-former-head-coaches-james-borrego-kenny-atkinson?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Cleveland reportedly to interview former head coaches James Borrego, Kenny Atkinson – NBC Sports”
[5]: https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers/news/report-kenny-atkinson-gaining-steam-for-cleveland-cavaliers-job?utm_source=chatgpt.com “REPORT: Head Coaching Candidate ‘Gaining Steam’ For Cavaliers Job”
[6]: https://cavaliersnation.com/2024/06/14/report-fluid-and-ongoing-cavs-coaching-search-could-take-a-bit-longer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Report: ‘Fluid and ongoing’ Cav
s coaching search could take a bit longer – Cavaliers Nation”
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