Washington’s new front office is making its mark. And it’s likely that Keefe is much closer to being the Wizards’ next permanent head coach.
The Washington Wizards are holding onto interim head coach Brian Keefe, as well as top assistant David Vanterpool, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Reporting with @ZachLowe_NBA: The Wizards let go of a number of staff members Thursday, but interim head coach Brian Keefe and assistant David Vanterpool remain with franchise. Front office is starting formal search that will include Keefe as a candidate for full-time job.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 19, 2024
The Wizards moved Wes Unseld Jr. to the front office in January after another slow start and promoted Keefe to the interim tag. The first-time head coach went 8-31 to finish the season, which may look poor from an outside perspective. However, Washington’s young core made vast strides during Keefe’s tenure, improving defensively and competing against superior opponents.
Keefe’s impact wasn’t felt in the win column, but his vocal leadership and emphasis on defensive improvement clearly struck a chord with Washington’s brass. He’ll return to the bench next season, whether that be as the lead man or the lead assistant.
In terms Washington’s head coaching search, the Wizards will reportedly consider Keefe for that gig, with an interview to come in the near future. Expect the same for Vanterpool, the Wizards top assistant who’s generated head coaching buzz in the past.
In addition to retaining Keefe and Vanterpool, Washington has parted with many key staff members, as ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported. No names have been released, but it’s safe to assume Keefe and Vanterpool are the only holdovers from Unseld Jr’s staff.
Remember that Michael Winger and Will Dawkins hired two assistants back in May: Brian Keefe and David Vanterpool. Those are their guys, and coincidentally could be the only holdovers from this year’s staff.
The new front office is looking to turn this franchise around, and that starts with cleaning house from the previous regime. Still expect a wide-ranging search for Washington’s next head coach, which should include both Keefe and Vanterpool in some capacity.