NBA rumors: Mike Brown Knicks assistant enters chat in Blazers’ head coaching search

The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly added another name to their head coaching search, with Chris Jent emerging as a candidate following his role in helping the New York Knicks capture the 2026 NBA championship.

According to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, Jent has recently gained traction as Portland continues its search for a new head coach after losing Tiago Splitter to the Chicago Bulls earlier this week.

“A new name that’s started to circulate in the last day or two in connection to the Blazers’ coaching opening, in addition to confirmed finalists Micah Nori and Tyler Lashbrook: Knicks associate HC Chris Jent.”

Jent currently serves as associate head coach under Mike Brown in New York and helped guide the Knicks to a championship run that ended with a five-game NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

His coaching résumé spans more than two decades and includes stops throughout both the NBA and college basketball. Jent began his NBA coaching career with the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Orlando Magic, where he briefly served as interim head coach in 2005.

Chris Jent emerges as new Blazers candidate after Tiago Splitter departure to Bulls

He later worked with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets before joining Brown’s staff in New York.

Portland’s coaching search has been one of the league’s most scrutinized offseason storylines. The organization recently lost Splitter after months of uncertainty surrounding his future, despite him leading the team to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance.

With Splitter now in Chicago, the Blazers appear to be expanding their search beyond previously reported finalists Micah Nori and Tyler Lashbrook. Jent’s championship experience, extensive coaching background and close ties to Brown could make him an intriguing option as Portland looks to identify its next leader.

The Trail Blazers are expected to continue evaluating candidates in the coming days as they move toward a final decision.

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