Since moving to Brooklyn in 2012, the Nets have looked more like a revolving door than a stable franchise. Eleven coaches in thirteen seasons — that says everything.
| Coach | Years | Record | Playoff Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordi Fernández | 2025 | 26–56 | — |
| Kevin Ollie | 2024 | 11–17 | — |
| Jacque Vaughn | 2023–24 | 64–65 | 0–4 |
| Steve Nash | 2021–23 | 94–67 | 7–9 |
| Jacque Vaughn | 2020 | 7–3 | 0–4 |
| Kenny Atkinson | 2017–20 | 118–190 | 1–4 |
| Tony Brown | 2016 | 11–34 | — |
| Lionel Hollins | 2015–16 | 48–71 | 2–4 |
| Jason Kidd | 2014 | 44–38 | 5–7 |
| P.J. Carlesimo | 2013 | 35–19 | 3–4 |
| Avery Johnson | 2011–13 | 60–116 | — |
That’s eleven different leaders, four playoff trips, zero deep runs, and no clear direction.
So when new head coach Jordi Fernández says he wants to win, you almost feel bad for him. Because after a recent press conference, team owner Joe Tsai made it clear that winning isn’t the plan — at least not this season. Instead of talking about competing, Tsai mentioned “putting ourselves in position for a good 2026 draft pick.” Translation: another year of mediocrity.
Fernández did his best to clean up the comment, replying, “Any pick we get will be a great pick,” — which was polite coach-speak for “we’re not tanking on my watch.”
But here’s the problem: Fernández was hired to lead a franchise that’s forgotten how to compete. Since moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn, the Nets have traded their identity for empty seats and constant turnover.
It’s a shame, really. Fernández is a coach who wants to build, not babysit, a rebuild. Yet his first NBA head coaching opportunity might bury his reputation before it even starts.
The only silver lining? Like Kenny Atkinson in Cleveland, Fernández might one day get another shot — and when he does, don’t be surprised if he circles Brooklyn on his calendar.