Kidd Removes Himself From Consideration for Blazers’ Opening

Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd has removed himself from consideration for the Trail Blazers’ vacant head coach position. Following Terry Stotts’ removal, Kidd emerged as one of Damian Lillard’s picks to fill Portland’s opening at the front of the bench. On Sunday, Kidd informed ESPN that he will not vie for the Blazers’ head coach spot.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski delivered the details on Kidd’s decision.

Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd has withdrawn him name from consideration for the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching vacancy, he told ESPN on Sunday morning.

“Portland’s a first-class organization and will have great candidates for its head coaching job, but I’ve decided not to be one of them,” Kidd told ESPN. “Whoever they choose will have big shoes to fill from Terry (Stotts).”

Wojnarowski’s report went on to add context to the situation.

Kidd was ultimately uncomfortable with the idea of pursuing the opening after Blazers star Damian Lillard publicly called for his hiring within hours of Stotts’ departure on Friday night. The public nature of Lillard’s endorsement — telling Yahoo Sports that “Jason Kidd is the guy I want” — left Kidd feeling he would put both Lillard and Portland’s process in an awkward circumstance should he pursue the opening.

Kidd has served on Frank Vogel’s coaching staff for the past two seasons. Kidd has a history of controversy behind the scenes with multiple organizations and legal issues, including domestic violence and driving while intoxicated.

You can read the full report at ESPN.