Brooklyn Nets snub Ime Udoka after backlash against suspended coach

The Brooklyn Nets have hired Jacque Vaughn as their next coach rather than the suspended Ime Udoka (Image: GETTY)The Brooklyn Nets have turned their back on suspended coach Ime Udoka after they appeared set to hire the disgraced former Boston Celtics head coach. The Nets, who fired Steve Nash, have named Jacque Vaughn as their head coach instead. Udoka was suspended by the Celtics for the entire 2022/23 NBA season after the team deemed he had violated internal regulations regarding an improper intimate relationship with a female staff member on the team. The relationship was originally believed to be consensual.Udoka apologised after his suspension was revealed with assistant coach Joe Mazzulla assuming the role of interim head coach. Udoka had impressed as a rookie coach, leading Boston to the NBA Finals where they lost in six games to the Golden State Warriors.Udoka guided Boston to a 51-31 record during his first season as a head coach, and he finished fourth in Coach of the Year voting. He previously spent one season as an assistant with the Nets in 2020/21 under Nash following stints with the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers.READ MORE: NBA legend announces he will continue career in Taiwan Ime Udoka was suspended by the Boston Celtics on the eve of the 2022/23 NBA season (Image: GETTY)Back in September, the Celtics acknowledged that Udoka’s suspension would remain in place until at least June 30 2023 before it was revisited. The 45-year-old remains under contract with the Celtics but Boston were willing to let him leave to accept another job – even to their division rival Nets. Boston reportedly did not demand compensation from Brooklyn in order to let Udoka out of his long-term deal and pursue the new position. However, it appears the Nets have decided to go in a different direction. Brooklyn have now named Vaughn their head coach. The 47-year-old has been with the organisation since 2016, primarily serving as an assistant coach, although he was interim head coach in March 2020 following former coach Kenny Atkinson’s mid-season departure. DON’T MISSLA Lakers urged to trade Anthony Davis amid LeBron James theoryIrving must complete six tasks before Nets will end suspensionNBA wonderkid LeBron James dubbed an ‘alien’ pulls off ludicrous move Jacque Vaughn will attempt to lead Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets to glory this season (Image: GETTY)