While the New Orleans Pelicans are focused on former head coaches for the current job opening, one of their own may be scooting away right under their nose. Pelicans assistant Chris Finch, one of the more respected assistants in the league, has interviewed for head coaching positions around the league this off-season and appears to be a favorite in at least one.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported on Tuesday afternoon that Finch is considered a front runner for the Pacers head coaching position. Indiana has interviewed a number of candidates, including Chauncey Billups and Dave Joerger, and will interview more assistants moving forward in Chris Quinn and Dan Craig, both with Miami.
Finch has spent three seasons as an assistant with the Pelicans, joining the franchise after spending one season in Denver and five seasons in Houston. This off-season, though, Finch has become a serious candidate for head coaching positions.
On top of being a serious candidate for the Pacers position, Finch has also interviewed with the Rockets. While it hasn’t been reported that Finch has been interviewed by the Pelicans, Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that the Pelicans were expected to have four finalists for their head coach opening. Only two of those names – Stan Van Gundy and Ty Lue – have been reported, leaving the possibility Finch is in the mix.
