University of Memphis coach John Calipari has emerged as a candidate to become the next Cavaliers coach, according to a league source.
The Cavs have interviewed Indiana Pacers assistant Mike Brown, former Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders, and Memphis Grizzlies assistant Eric Musselman. Owner Dan Gilbert also had a telephone interview with former Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
Calipari did not return a message left at the school Thursday.
Calipari was an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers and at the University of Kansas under coach Larry Brown, the front-runner to become Cavs general manager. The Cavs have asked to speak with Brown at the end of Detroit's season.
It was also learned on Thursday that the Cavs had a telephone interview with Memphis Grizzlies President Jerry West about the GM position. West, under contract for another season, will remain with the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley told the Memphis Commercial Appeal, "The bottom line is that Jerry's not interested."
Calipari, 46, took UMass to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights and one Final Four in eight years.
Calipari left UMass to become executive vice president of basketball operations and coach of the New Jersey Nets. He led the Nets to the playoffs in his second season, but the Nets were swept in the first round by the Chicago Bulls. He was fired during the 1999 lockout-shortened season when the Nets started 3-17.
Calipari has been at the University of Memphis since 2000.
