If you’re watching a Mavs game in 2026 and seeing that familiar, focused face on the sidelines, yeah, it’s still him. Jason Kidd is the Dallas Mavericks coach, and honestly, despite the roller coaster of the last couple of seasons, the organization seems more committed to him than ever.
It’s kind of wild when you think about the pressure of coaching in Big D. You’ve got a fan base that expects brilliance every night and an ownership group that isn't afraid to shake things up. But Kidd has a way of navigating the noise. He’s not just some guy who got the job because he played here; he’s earned his spot through some pretty high-stakes playoff runs.
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Who is the Dallas Mavericks coach right now?
Right now, Jason Kidd is the man in charge. He’s currently in his fifth season as the head coach, having officially taken the reigns back in 2021 when he replaced Rick Carlisle.
But it hasn't just been a "stay the course" situation. Back in October 2025, just before this current season kicked off, the Mavericks signed Kidd to a significant multi-year contract extension. The team didn't leak all the tiny details—they usually don't—but the message was loud and clear: General Manager Nico Harrison believes Kidd is the right guy to lead this roster through its current transition.
This wasn't his first extension, either. He actually got one mid-playoffs during that crazy 2024 run to the NBA Finals. That’s a massive vote of confidence. Most coaches are sweating their jobs during the postseason, but Kidd was getting a new deal while trying to figure out how to stop the Celtics.
A bench full of "Head Coach" energy
One thing that makes the current Mavs coaching situation so interesting is who is sitting next to Kidd. Basically, the Mavericks went out and built a "Super Staff" for the 2025-26 season.
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Take a look at Frank Vogel. He’s the Associate Head Coach now. It’s a bit of a role reversal because Kidd was actually an assistant under Vogel when the Lakers won the title in the 2020 bubble. Now, Vogel—a guy with a championship ring as a head coach—is the lead assistant in Dallas. He’s mostly tasked with fixing the defense, which has been a bit of a sore spot lately.
The rest of the bench is just as deep. You've got:
- Jay Triano: A veteran who has been a head coach for the Raptors and Suns.
- Popeye Jones: A former Mavs player who focuses on the big men and defense.
- Phil Handy: One of the most respected player development coaches in the world (he’s worked with LeBron, Kyrie, and Kawhi).
- Mike Penberthy: The shooting specialist who is basically the "shot whisperer" for the team.
It’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen, but so far, they seem to be working well together under Kidd’s leadership.
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The Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis Era
Look, the 2025-26 season hasn't been easy. The Mavs are sitting at 15-25 right now, which is definitely not where they wanted to be. But if you're wondering why Kidd's seat isn't hot, you have to look at the roster turnover.
The team underwent a massive identity shift after the Luka Doncic era ended. Now, it’s about the "New Big Three" (though it’s been more of a "Big Two" with Kyrie Irving dealing with injuries). The arrival of Cooper Flagg, the #1 overall pick in 2025, has changed everything. Kidd has been praised for how he’s handled Flagg, giving the 19-year-old the keys to the offense while letting him make rookie mistakes.
Then there’s the Anthony Davis factor. The Mavs made a massive swing to get AD, but he’s been sidelined with injuries for a good chunk of his time in Dallas. Kidd’s job has basically been "next man up" for months. It’s hard to judge a coach on wins and losses when your $50 million superstar is in street clothes on the bench.
Why people still debate Jason Kidd
Even with the extensions, people love to argue about Kidd’s coaching style. He’s a "players' coach" through and through. Guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyrie Irving have gone on record saying how much they love playing for him because he trusts them to make plays.
But critics? They usually point to his late-game rotations or his timeout usage. During the 2024 Finals, fans were pulling their hair out over a specific timeout Kidd called during a 20-2 Mavs run in Game 3. Some said it killed the momentum; Kidd said the guys were gassed. That’s the duality of Jason Kidd. He sees the game as a Hall of Fame point guard, which is sometimes a level or two ahead of what the rest of us are seeing from the couch.
What to expect next for the Mavs sideline
If you're a Mavs fan, don't expect a coaching change anytime soon. The front office is all-in on the Kidd-Vogel partnership. The focus for the rest of this season is purely on:
- Developing Cooper Flagg: Turning him into a perennial All-Star.
- Managing AD's Health: Getting Anthony Davis back on the floor for a late-season push.
- Defensive Identity: Letting Frank Vogel implement that championship-level defensive scheme.
Next time you see the Mavericks on TV, keep an eye on the interactions between Kidd and Flagg. That relationship is the future of the franchise.
To stay updated on the team’s progress, keep a close watch on the official injury reports regarding Anthony Davis, as his availability will ultimately dictate whether Kidd’s revamped staff can steer this team back into the playoff picture by April.