Mark Jackson Is Blackballed, Says Analyst
It has been six seasons since Mark Jackson was fired by Golden State Warriors. During his time with the Warriors, Jackson posted a record of 121-109 in three seasons. Despite having a winning record, the Warriors decided move on from Jackson, and hired Steve Kerr.
Many have wondered why was Jackson let go and why hasn’t he been given another opportunity since then.
“I think a small circle of ownership and [Joe]Lacob [Warriors owner] made up his mind that Mark was a certain way and it formed a narrative of how the other owners would feel about him,” former Warriors staffer, Otis Hughley told Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson this week on the Scoop B Radio Podcast.
On Thursday evening, 14 year NBA veteran Brendan Haywood was on Instagram Live with his Ryan Hollins. During the Live session, Haywood shared that Jackson had been blackballed by the league.
“Yes Mark Jackson is blackballed. I think that [Andre] Iguodala talked about that. He gave some insight into it and I think Mark Jackson is blackballed because he didn’t get along with his front office. I think Mark Jackson blackballed because some of his religious beliefs got mixed in with the team as far as, some Christian beliefs don’t blind with the LGBTQ community,” said Haywood.
“I also think some of the altercations with his assistant coaches and how that situation ended up. So, Mark Jackson is definitely being blackballed. We know the guy can coach, but a lot of people are afraid to touch him because of those issues. And I think LGBTQ issue is really big. A coach that spoke out against that community in this climate, it is hard to hire that guy it is.”
As Haywood mentioned, Andre Iguodala addressed what happen to Mark Jackson during his appearance at the Breakfast Club in 2019.
“It was the politics,” href=”https://landonbuford.com/2019/06/26/warriors-ex-staffer-explains-why-mark-jackson-is-not-coaching-in-nba/”>said Iguodala. “Once they want you out they’re going to find something.”
“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.”
Charlamagne Tha God would then asked Iggy do you think Mark Jackson is blackballed from the NBA?
Iggy would reply “I do.”
Jackson has been on the record on numerous occasions about his desire to coach again, as recently as last month. Jackson was on Instagram Live with his daughter, Heavyn Jackson, double-down on wanting to coach again.
“I look forward to the day that somebody gives me an opportunity to be a head coach and lead an organization,” said Jackson. “I truly look forward to that day.”
Music icon Silkk The Shocker was a regular at Warriors practices during Jackson’s tenure in the Bay Area. The New Orleans native, beliefs Jackson will get another shot to coach one day.
“I think someone will do it. I think the problem and not to get political because I have people of all races everywhere. So, it is not even that and I salute any coach that gets a job its a tough thing to get. I think he is going to one and I think the people, who are watching have to make that effort. I think the owners are friends and some coaches if don’t walk [to] the same beat,” said Shocker.
“They make that call and say really don’t mess with him, but, I’m a firm believer, no matter what they say about him [Mark Jackson] this is a real good guy. He is one of the best guys I have met in my life. I don’t know why he isn’t [coaching]. He did everything right and I was around him when, he developed Steph Curry and had all the players, like Draymond [Green]… He is a players coach.”
Jackson name has been mentioned a lot with vacancies with the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers to name a few. But, has not landed another coaching gig as of yet.
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.
