Report: Jeff Van Gundy exploring return to coaching after ESPN layoff

Former NBA head coach and broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy is looking into a return to coaching after being laid off at ESPN, sources told Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.

While many teams have filled out their staffs for the upcoming season, there's reportedly mutual interest between Van Gundy and the Washington Wizards for an assistant job next season, Mannix adds.

Van Gundy began his head coaching career midway through the 1995-96 season with the New York Knicks when he was 34. He coached the Knicks for seven seasons and then spent four years with the Houston Rockets before moving to broadcasting after the 2006-07 campaign.

The 61-year-old has made the playoffs in nine of his 11 seasons at the helm of an NBA team, though he's advanced to the Finals just once.

Van Gundy's younger brother, Stan, was also an NBA head coach with the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and New Orleans Pelicans.