Yahoo Sports Longtime Warriors assistant Jarron Collins splits with team, looking for head coaching job
Longtime Golden State Warriors assistant Jarron Collins is leaving the Bay Area in search of a top job elsewhere in the league.
Collins and the Warriors mutually split on Monday after seven seasons.
"This is about myself and my own personal growth," Collins told ESPN's The Undefeated. "I had a conversation with [coach] Steve [Kerr] and the Warriors. I've been there seven years and coached Hall of Fame players. We've won championships. I learned so much. For me, this is about taking the next journey and next step in my career.
"Obviously, Steve Kerr is the head coach and Mike Brown is the lead assistant. It's time for me to step out and see whatever opportunities are out there for me."
Jarron Collins looking for top job elsewhere
Collins joined the Warriors in 2014 as a player development coach, and was quickly promoted to an assistant coach and their defensive coordinator.
The 42-year-old spent 10 seasons playing in the league, most notably with the Utah Jazz. The center averaged 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game throughout his career.
"I'm going to really miss Jarron, both personally and professionally," Kerr said in a statement, via ESPN. "He's an excellent coach and a wonderful human being. It's going to be different without him around, but he deserves the chance to continue his growth with the goal of ultimately becoming a head coach in the NBA. Jarron has all the skills necessary. He's a great teacher and communicator, he's smart and funny, and he knows the game."
Collins has interviewed for head coaching jobs in the past, per the report, including with the Chicago Bulls last year, the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019 and the Atlanta Hawks in 2018.
He said that he has received some interest in open jobs now across the league — the Trail Blazers, Celtics and Magic all currently have openings.
"There has been conversations," Collins said, via ESPN. "But I'm going to be deliberate and strategic with my next step. I want to be a head coach. We're going to look at all levels. We will look at what opportunities are out there. I want to be a first-assistant coach or a head coach. I'm looking to take those next steps."
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