Mark Jackson Reiterates His Desire to Coach Again
Mark Jackson hasn’t coached in the NBA since he was let go by the Golden State Warriors in 2014. Jackson led the Warriors to back-to-back playoff appearances. If you ask Andre Iguodala, he will tell you the NBA black balled Jackson.
“It was the politics,” the former Finals MVP said. “Once they want you out they’re going to find something.” He then went on to explain the scapegoats Golden State and the NBA used to push Jackson out.
“So it was the church in the facility…On Wednesday night service he would set up a computer and he’d just preach,” he explained. “One particular issue—from what I heard—were his views on gender or marriage or what the Bible said on your sexuality.”
Jackson’s name has been mentioned with teams such as the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, and now the Indiana Pacers, per Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Heavy.
In August, Jackson was on Instagram with former backcourt running mate Reggie Miller and shared that he wants to coach again.
“I look forward to the day I’m coaching again,” Mark Jackson told Miller in an Instagram Live interview with Reggie Miller.
Last week Jackson was on Instagram with his daughter Heavyn Jackson and reiterated that he wants to again.
“I look forward to the day that somebody gives me an opportunity to be a head coach, and lead an organization. I truly look forward to that day.
Jackson helped develop Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and gave Draymond Green an opportunity during his time in The Bay Area.
“The biggest difference is for Mark [Jackson] we were young and unproven and had to create an identity. Create an edge for us that gave us the confidence to walk on the floor and we could be anything on any given night. He is an unbelievable motivator in terms of the way he can articulate himself and give some type of fuel on a nightly basis,”said Curry.
“He would come in the locker and we would talk about X’s and O’s, but then we would talk about life for five minutes. For young guys like us at the time, we needed all that edge in competitiveness and a guy that would go to war for you in the media,” Curry said. “Sometimes it was to the detriment of those upstairs [Warriors management] we were all grinding to get to that next level and he helped us get there. There is no secret I didn’t want him fired when it went down with Bob Meyers, Joe Lacob, and Peter Guber. They wanted to make a decision and brought in Steve [Kerr].”
“It was tough seeing Coach (Jackson) go, but at the end of the day the front office did what they felt would be best for us to win,” said Thompso n. “They’ve made great moves in the past, so no reason not to trust them on this move. I’ve talked to Steve and he seems really good, like a guy who is really going to open it up for us. I’m excited to work with him.”
Even Steve Kerr, who took over for Jackson still to this day has nothing but nice things to say about Jackson’s time in the Bay Area.
“When I was in TV, I was doing Warriors games for years,” Kerr said two seasons ago.“Every year, they were one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Mark came in and made a focus on being a tough, defensive-minded team.”
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
