Former player “very interested” in being Pistons next head coach

The Detroit Pistons’ search for their next head coach has already begun and names are starting to emerge.

Some oddsmakers have Buck’s associate head coach Charles Lee as the person mostly likely to get the job, but betting sites are just trying to maximize bets, so don’t necessarily represent inside information.

The Pistons are likely to extend their search and interview process into the college ranks and former player Jerry Stackhouse is reportedly “very interested” in the job according to 247 Sports.

Stackhouse had some great seasons as a player for the Detroit Pistons and just won SEC coach of the year, so he is a logical choice, but he has some other things the Pistons are looking for in their next head coach.

Detroit Pistons next head coach: Jerry Stackhouse interested

In his recent press conference, GM Troy Weaver had this to say about what the team is looking for in their next head coach:

"“That’s going to be, for me, I know what this team needs is simple — discipline, development and defense.”"

Stackhouse is a respected former player and basketball mind who is used to working with young players as an NBA assistant, G-League head coach and now as the head coach of Vanderbilt.

His Vanderbilt team was middle of the pack in defense this season, though forward Liam Robbins did lead the SEC in blocks. The quick turnaround Stackhouse pulled off at Vanderbilt was mostly build on discipline and development so he ticks those boxes right away.

Stackhouse coached at both Toronto and Memphis, two teams with a defensive-minded approach, so he theoretically matches Troy Weaver’s vision.

Getting a coach with some kind of connection and affinity for the city of Detroit isn’t mandatory, but it doesn’t hurt, especially considering Stackhouse is well-liked by players and could potentially be a draw for free agents who like the idea of playing for him.

Stackhouse is also experienced without being considered a “re-tread” but still young enough to relate to the players.

Stackhouse is going to get a head coaching position eventually and will likely be high atop the Detroit Pistons’ list of candidates when the interview process starts.