Former Golden state worries Head Coach Mark Jackson Who Was Fired in 2014 he Has Now Called Back to Represent Mike Dunleavy as General Manager of Golden state and also served as the Warriors’ Vice President of Basketball Operations.
The Golden State Warriors have been no strangers to headlines over the last decade, whether through championship glory, internal disputes, or unexpected twists in management. But now, the basketball world has been rocked by breaking news that few could have predicted: Mark Jackson, the former Warriors head coach who was fired back in 2014, is making a stunning return to the franchise. Not as a coach, not as a broadcaster, but in an executive capacity that has caught many off guard. Reports confirm that Jackson has been called back to represent Mike Dunleavy Jr., who serves as general manager of the Golden State Warriors, and will also take on the additional role of Vice President of Basketball Operations. It’s a development that instantly stirs memories of the complicated history between Jackson and the Warriors while also setting the stage for a fascinating new chapter in the organization’s evolution.
Jackson’s dismissal in 2014 remains one of the most debated coaching firings in NBA history. At the time, he had led Golden State to back-to-back playoff appearances, including a 51-win season in 2013–14 that set the stage for the Warriors’ eventual dynasty under Steve Kerr. His tenure is remembered as one of transformation, taking a team that had long been stuck in mediocrity and instilling both confidence and defensive identity. Players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green often credited him with giving them belief and laying the foundation for what came next. Yet, despite his success, reports swirled of friction between Jackson and the front office, with disagreements over strategy, relationships, and communication ultimately leading to his dismissal.
In hindsight, Golden State’s decision to replace Jackson with Steve Kerr proved pivotal, as Kerr’s arrival unlocked a system that took the Warriors to unprecedented heights. Still, Jackson’s role in building the culture and preparing the roster has never been forgotten. His return now, more than a decade later, presents a poetic full circle moment in which he reenters the organization not on the sidelines but at the executive level, tasked with supporting the very leadership structure that once moved on from him. The news raises intriguing questions about how his presence will impact both basketball operations and the perception of Golden State’s future.
Mike Dunleavy Jr., who took over as general manager following Bob Myers’ departure, has been navigating a challenging transition. The Warriors are at a crossroads, with an aging core, luxury tax burdens, and the looming uncertainty of how much longer their dynasty window can remain open. Bringing in someone like Jackson, who commands respect around the league and maintains close ties to many former and current players, could serve as both a stabilizing influence and a bridge between the past and the present. Dunleavy, still relatively new in his role, now has a figure beside him who understands the unique fabric of the Warriors’ culture, as well as the delicate balance required in managing egos, expectations, and long-term planning.
The title of Vice President of Basketball Operations adds significant weight to Jackson’s return. In this capacity, he won’t just be an advisor or representative for Dunleavy; he will actively shape the decision-making process, from roster construction to free agency strategies to the draft. His basketball acumen has long been respected, and though his coaching career never advanced beyond his time with Golden State, Jackson has remained a prominent voice in the NBA world through his broadcasting role with ESPN. His sharp commentary, combined with his insider’s perspective, has kept him close to the pulse of the league. Now, he transitions from commentary to action, stepping back into the organizational trenches to directly influence one of the NBA’s most high-profile franchises.
There will be skepticism, of course. Some within the Warriors’ fanbase still recall the rumors of internal friction that characterized Jackson’s final months as coach. Concerns about whether those same dynamics might resurface in a front office setting are inevitable. The difference this time, however, is the role itself. Jackson won’t be the one calling plays or clashing with assistants over strategy; instead, his focus will be on larger organizational vision and supporting the GM. That shift in responsibilities may actually suit him better, as he can utilize his charisma, leadership skills, and knowledge of the game without being caught up in the day-to-day tactical battles that often strained his coaching tenure.
The Warriors, meanwhile, seem to be betting on his ability to add both credibility and fresh perspective to a front office in transition. Bob Myers’ departure left a void not just in decision-making but in the trust and stability he provided during one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Dunleavy has been thrust into that spotlight, and while his intelligence and basketball background are undeniable, he lacks Myers’ track record and years of established relationships. Pairing him with Jackson is a move that seems designed to complement Dunleavy’s analytical, measured approach with Jackson’s passion, presence, and proven ability to connect with players.
The timing of this move also cannot be ignored. The Warriors are facing questions about how much longer their core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green can keep them competitive at the highest level. Curry remains an elite force, but the clock is ticking, and Golden State must decide how aggressive it wants to be in making moves to maximize the final years of its greatest player’s career. Thompson’s contract situation looms large, Draymond continues to walk the line between brilliance and volatility, and the younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody remain works in progress. Having someone like Jackson involved in those conversations provides an added layer of insight, particularly because he knows Curry and Green on a personal level dating back to their formative years.
What makes this return especially compelling is the sense of redemption it carries. For years, Jackson has been vocal about feeling that he deserved another shot as an NBA head coach, but the opportunities never materialized. Whether due to lingering questions from his Warriors tenure or simply the fickle nature of coaching hires, he remained on the outside looking in, his career defined by both success and controversy. Now, rather than chasing another sideline opportunity, he is stepping into the executive world, where his impact could be even more profound. If he helps steer the Warriors into another successful era, his legacy in Golden State will be reshaped and elevated beyond what anyone could have expected in 2014.
The basketball world is already buzzing with speculation about how this move will unfold. Analysts are debating whether Jackson will bring a more aggressive or conservative approach to roster moves, whether he will push for loyalty to the existing core or advocate for bolder transitions. Some wonder if his presence could eventually pave the way for a bigger role, perhaps even positioning him as a successor to Dunleavy down the line. Others see it as a symbolic gesture, a way for the Warriors to both honor the foundation he built and mend a relationship that had remained fractured for years.
One thing is clear: this is not a routine front-office hire. This is a headline-grabbing, narrative-shifting move that reopens one of the most fascinating chapters in recent NBA history. Golden State’s decision to bring back Mark Jackson signals both a respect for his contributions and a recognition that his voice still carries weight in the league. It is also a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable the NBA can be, where relationships evolve, roles shift, and yesterday’s fired coach can become today’s vice president.
For the fans, this move will spark a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and caution. Nostalgia for the early days of the Warriors’ rise when Jackson was the one leading the charge. Excitement at the possibility of him helping to guide the franchise through its current crossroads. Caution about whether the old tensions could resurface or whether his influence might clash with others in the organization. Ultimately, only time will tell how successful this partnership will be.
As the Warriors prepare for another season filled with high expectations and uncertainty, Mark Jackson’s return adds yet another layer to their story. From the sidelines to the broadcast booth to the boardroom, his basketball journey has taken him full circle. Now, he finds himself back where it all began, not seeking vindication but perhaps finding it in a different way. By standing alongside Mike Dunleavy Jr. and taking on the responsibility of Vice President of Basketball Operations, Jackson has been given the chance to redefine his legacy with the very franchise that once moved on without him. It is a storyline rich with drama, history, and possibility — one that will be watched closely not just in the Bay Area but across the entire NBA landscape.
