The Dallas Mavericks are focusing their head coaching search on NBA assistants, with several prominent candidates drawing official interest. Former head coach Terry Stotts is also expected to receive an interview, per sources.

Dallas has registered or plans to register formal interest in Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Houston Rockets assistant Royal Ivey, Toronto Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela, Boston Celtics assistant Tony Dobbins and Miami Heat consultant Noah LaRoche.

Stotts, who previously coached the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks and once served as a Dallas assistant, is guaranteed a meeting with the club. Former majority owner Mark Cuban had previously recommended Stotts strongly for Jason Kidd's staff. Stotts recently departed his assistant role under Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors and is only pursuing head coaching positions at this time.

While the Mavericks have expressed interest in collegiate options Jon Scheyer and Dusty May, sources indicate an NBA hire remains the more probable outcome.

The search is being conducted by new general manager Mike Schmitz alongside Masai Ujiri. Sources within league coaching circles expect Ujiri to cast a wide net, potentially exploring candidates from European leagues and the women's game. Ujiri followed a similar broad approach after the 2022-23 season when he replaced Nick Nurse with Darko Rajkovic with the Toronto Raptors.