OKLAHOMA CITY –- Warriors coach Steve Kerr is fast-tracking his search for an assistant coach who can replace Luke Walton, who is leaving after the season to become head coach of the Lakers.
Kerr on Sunday said he would interview Charlotte assistant Stephen Silas sometime Monday. Kerr also plans to meet with Portland assistant Nate Tibbetts, according to The Vertical.
Kerr is moving fast with Silas and Tibbetts because both have been interviewed in recent weeks for head-coaching positions elsewhere.
Both are relatively young, with reputations for strong communication skills as well as the kind of amiable demeanor that fits the profile for Kerr’s staff as well as the Warriors as an organization.
Kerr has often spoken glowingly of the offensive system in Portland under coach Terry Stotts, and Tibbetts has spent the past three seasons with the Trail Blazers.
Tibbetts, 38, previously served as an assistant coach in Cleveland for two seasons and also spent four years as a head coach in the NBA Development League, where he built a relationship with Stotts.
Tibbetts reportedly interviewed last week with Memphis, which is seeking a replacement for Dave Joerger.
Silas, 42, spent nearly five seasons with the Warriors, serving under head coach Don Nelson from 2006 until 2010. Silas reportedly remains a candidate for the top job in Houston.