Staley on Blazers’ Interest, “I’ve Talked to Them”

The Trail Blazers have touched base with South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley about their currently vacant head coach position. On Monday, The State’s Michael Lananna revealed that Staley has spoken to the Blazers about the opening.

Staley explained that she has had a discussion with the Blazers.

“I’ve talked to the Portland Trail Blazers, and that’s the extent of it,” Staley said during a Zoom call with reporters. “I’ve talked to them.”

Lananna’s story also featured comments that Staley made during a previous appearance.

“I think that you have to answer each call, but whether or not I take that leap and leave a place like South Carolina, that’s the biggest question,” Staley said.

“At this stage of the game, I think you have to consider it all. Home is where the heart is. But at the same time when you have an opportunity to be something different and open up the doors for other women, you definitely have to consider it.

“But you also have to be ready for it, too, and that’s a big leap that no other college coach has ever done and been successful.”

According to the report from The State, the University of South Carolina confirmed that the Blazers reached out to Athletic Director Ray Tanner about their interest in Staley as a coaching candidate.

Along with her position at South Carolina, Staley is a Basketball Hall of Fame player and coach, a winner of three Olympic gold medals and the current coach of the U.S. women’s team.

You can read the full story at The State.