Former German national team and current Bayern Munich head coach Gordon Herbert is the leading candidate to replace Jordi Fernandez as the head coach of the Canada Basketball.
Current Bayern Munich head coach Gordon Herbert has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Jordi Fernandez as the head coach of the Canadian national team, according to Michael Grange of SportsNet.ca.
After parting ways with the German Basketball Federation following the 2024 Paris Olympics, Herbert is seen as an ideal option for Canada, according to the report.
The national team reportedly prioritizes a coach with a proven track record of winning medals at major tournaments, a key requirement outlined by Rowan Barrett, the general manager of Canada's men's team.
"We believe our team will be ready to compete for a podium finish at the LA 2028 Olympic Games," Barrett said via SportsNet.ca. "We are primarily looking for coaches with experience winning medals at the World Cup or the Olympics, and there has been interest from candidates all over the world."
Herbert has an impressive résumé, having led the German national team to victory at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and securing a bronze medal at the 2022 EuroBasket.
In the 2024-25 season, Bayern, led by Herbert, is currently in 5th place with a 19-13 record.
As a player, Herbert represented Canada at the 1984 Olympics, adding sentimental value to his potential appointment.
His extensive coaching experience, both internationally and with Bayern Munich – who are currently pushing for a EuroLeague playoff return – further strengthens his candidacy.
Looking ahead, the Canadian national team has already shown significant potential, finishing third at the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a victory over Team USA and reaching the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympics before falling to France.
With a talented core led by NBA MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside R.J. Barrett, Dillon Brooks, and Jamal Murray, Canada has the foundation of a championship-caliber team.
If Herbert takes the helm, his leadership and winning pedigree could elevate them into legitimate contenders for future international titles.
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