The Portland Trail Blazers are widening their coaching search, and a new name is picking up steam. Associate head coach Chris Jent, who helped Mike Brown and the New York Knicks win the 2026 NBA championship, has reportedly emerged as a candidate. Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report was the first to mention Jent’s name in connection with the open job.
This development comes just days after Portland lost Tiago Splitter to the Chicago Bulls. Splitter had been a finalist, and reports suggested his hiring was close. But the Bulls swooped in, and now the Blazers are back to evaluating a field that includes Micah Nori and Tyler Lashbrook, with Jent now in the mix.
What Jent Brings to the Table
Jent has been coaching for more than two decades. He started in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers and later served as interim head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2005. His résumé includes stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ohio State, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets before landing in New York.
He is widely respected for his player development work and his ability to adapt offensive systems. Brown has leaned on Jent heavily during the Knicks’ championship run, and sources close to the situation say Brown has been vocal about Jent’s readiness to lead his own team.
Portland’s Puzzle
The Blazers finished 42-40 last season and made the playoffs. But the roster has question marks, and the front office is trying to build a sustainable winner around its young core. Losing Splitter stung, but the organization is not rushing a decision. Portland wants a coach who can develop talent, manage egos and install a modern system. Jent checks a lot of those boxes.
He also brings the credibility of a championship ring from just a few months ago. That matters in a locker room that needs direction.
Jent’s name is not yet confirmed as a formal interview, but multiple reports suggest he has gained traction internally. The Blazers are expected to continue speaking with candidates over the next week before finalizing a short list.
Whether Jent ultimately lands the job or not, his inclusion signals that Portland is casting a wider net than many assumed. The team has not commented on any candidates. For now, Jent is the latest name to watch in a coaching search that still has some twists left.
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