Former Cavs coach Mike Brown issues classy, if bland, statement on his way out of town. He'll likely be back with another team soon.
“We have a deep appreciation for Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, and the people in this community,” former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said in a prepared release on Wednesday. “We have enjoyed making this our home.”CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mike Brown made his formal exit from Cleveland on Wednesday by issuing a classy, if less than revealing, statement.
But Brown won't be gone for long. Expect him to be back as the head coach of another NBA team -- perhaps as early as next season. Brown did not elaborate on the circumstances that led to his dismissal as Cavaliers coach last Sunday, as many fans probably wanted, or address his future.
According to those close to Brown, however, he is interested in taking another job next season if he likes the fit. They said he has already been contacted by at least one team with an opening.
At first, Brown told friends that he may want to take a year off. With $2 million coming to him from the Cavs, he has the opportunity. Over the last several days, however, Brown may have changed his mind.
Rod Thorn, the president and general manager of the New Jersey Nets, has already publicly praised the job Brown did with the Cavs. Nets new owner Mikhail Prokhorov has said the team is looking for a coach with NBA coaching experience. The Nets are one of five teams with openings other than the Cavs.
As for his parting words for Cleveland, they fit the profile established over the last five seasons. They were concise and non-controversial, underscored by the fact that Brown released the statement through the Cavs' communications office.
"The past five years have been an exceptional experience," Brown said. "I have been very fortunate to lead a group of men who I respect and thoroughly enjoyed coaching on a daily basis. At the same time, I was able to work alongside a terrific coaching staff and with Danny Ferry and a basketball operations team, all of whom I have a profound respect for."
Brown also thanked owner team owner Dan Gilbert.
"We partnered in creating a culture and a standard that I am, and will continue to be, very proud of," Brown said. "None of which would be possible without the dedication and support of Dan Gilbert. I am thankful for the opportunity that he gave to me and my family."
Brown apparently decided to stop short of directly thanking any players, including LeBron James. Repeatedly during his tenure Brown said he was thankful that James "allows me to coach him," a reference to the professional relationship the two enjoyed for many years.
However, that relationship seemed to erode during the playoffs, when James publicly disagreed with his coach's motivation methods and in-game decisions. Behind the scenes, sources said James and Brown differed on game plan choices against both the Bulls and Celtics.
No matter what, Brown will be moving away from Cleveland's west side, where he became a part of the community and formed many friendships.
"We have a deep appreciation for Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, and the people in this community," Brown said. "We have enjoyed making this our home."