Steve Hetzel has been instrumental in shaping the Brooklyn Nets' coaching culture alongside head coach Jordi Fernández over the past two seasons. Now, that hard work is catching the eye of other teams, with Hetzel emerging as a top candidate for the New Orleans Pelicans' head coaching vacancy.
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, Hetzel is one of four finalists for the job, joining a competitive field that includes Milwaukee Bucks associate head coach Darvin Ham, San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney, and Bucks coaching associate Rajon Rondo. Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley could also enter the mix if he becomes available.
This development comes on the heels of a major show of faith from the Nets' front office. Just last month, owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks extended Fernández and his entire coaching staff with multiyear contracts—an unusually strong vote of confidence for a team coming off back-to-back seasons with just 26 and 20 wins. Hetzel was a key part of that commitment.
Hetzel's resume speaks for itself. He has served as Brooklyn's Summer League head coach for two consecutive offseasons, and when Fernández was away preparing Team Canada for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Hetzel took the reins of the Nets' offseason development program. That kind of trust is earned, not given, and Hetzel has thrived under Fernández's collaborative coaching style.
"Working for Jordi has been some of the most fun I've ever had," Hetzel said. "The way he allows us as a staff to put our imprint on the team and have a voice. So, I feel comfortable speaking to the team directly with the amount that he gives us. … I feel very comfortable with his system and stepping in."
He's already proven he can step up when it counts. When Fernández missed a December game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to the flu, Hetzel took over and led Brooklyn to a historic 127-82 victory at Barclays Center—a win that tied the largest margin of victory in franchise history.
But Hetzel's candidacy isn't built on one game alone. His coaching journey includes four seasons as a player development coach with the Detroit Pistons (2009-2013), followed by stints as an assistant with the Charlotte Hornets (2014-2018) and the Orlando Magic. That depth of experience, combined with his ability to lead and develop talent, makes him a compelling candidate for the Pelicans' top job.