Tony Dobbins is expected to interview for the Dallas Mavericks head coaching vacancy. The 44-year-old has spent nine seasons in the Celtics organization, the last six as an assistant, and served as Boston's Summer League head coach in 2023. Dallas fired Jason Kidd after a season in which the Mavericks ranked 22nd in defensive rating and failed to advance past the first round despite adding Anthony Davis to pair with Kyrie Irving.

Dobbins understands the value of continuity on a roster built around two high-usage creators who need structure. His work with Jayson Tatum during the star's Achilles rehab highlighted an ability to manage star development and buy-in. Those skills could help stabilize Dallas' defense without sacrificing the pace that ranked top-10 in transition frequency. Unlike some candidates who push extreme positionless schemes, Dobbins has contributed to Joe Mazzulla's flexible five-out system that generated the league's highest effective field goal percentage on catch-and-shoot threes last season. That blueprint fits the Mavericks' personnel better than another overhaul.

If Dobbins impresses in the interview, Dallas could move quickly to a decision before the June draft. A hire would force the Mavericks to decide whether to retain elements of Kidd's staff or import Celtics assistants for a smoother transition. For Boston, another assistant departure would continue the pipeline that previously sent coaches like Ime Udoka to lead jobs while reinforcing Mazzulla's staff depth.