It seems like any coaching vacancy that opens up these days is followed with the immediate thought that “hey, Phil Jackson might want to coach there.” The answer is always no, and Jackson has shown no signs of wanting to return to the bench, whether it be for a contender or the challenge of a young, undisciplined project.
Jackson’s name has also been thrown around as a candidate for a few front office jobs. The Toronto Raptors are actively pursuing him to be their new team president, but Jackson has given no indication yet that he’s interested.
However, Jackson is going to be doing some basketball-related work. The Detroit Pistons announced that Jackson is going to be serving the team in an advisory role to help them out in their search for a new coach. The Pistons fired head coach Lawrence Frank at the end of this season after he went 54-94 in two years with the team.
Jackson will not be getting paid and this is not a precursor to Jackson taking a job in Detroit. He is just helping out the Pistons as a favor to team owner Tom Gores.
"Phil Jackson is a friend and one of the best minds in the business," Gores said. "We are thrilled to have him as an adviser as we make some very important decisions for this franchise. Joe (Dumars) and I discussed this and he and I are in full agreement that this is a great opportunity."
The Pistons have already interviewed former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Phoenix Suns interim coach and former Pistons player Lindsey Hunter, but obviously have not hired anyone yet.
For those waiting for Phil Jackson to make his official return to the game of basketball, keep waiting. He just discovered Twitter! Surely he is going to take a few years to enjoy that.
