Brooklyn Nets announce Jason Kidd as new head coach

After 19 seasons in the NBA, Jason Kidd announced his retirement as a player in the NBA last week. Today, Kidd is announced as the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets – a franchise he spent time with and took a trip to the NBA finals. This will be Kidd’s first coaching position in the NBA.

“Yes, I have a lot to learn about coaching” but, when I was playing as a point guard, “I felt like I was an extension of the coach.”
Kidd says his message to players will be simple: “You’ve got to play hard, you’ve got to play defense and we’re going to grow together.”

So what’s the salary like for a first time NBA head coach fresh off of an NBA contract with the Knicks? Per Peter Vescey, four years $10.5 million with $7.5 million guaranteed. The fourth year a is team option.

Not bad. JKidd has one left over piece of business from his time as a Knick. Last summer while in the Hamptons he was arrested for a DUI when he hit a light pole. He’s plead not guilty and is due in court on June 20th.

photos via Beyond the Buzzer & Instagram