Phil Jackson apparently will not be pursuing his 12th NBA title.
"I have no intention of ever coaching again," Jackson told SheridanHoops.com on Tuesday night.
Sources told ESPN.com that Jackson, an 11-time NBA coaching champion, is the Brooklyn Nets' top target to replace Avery Johnson on a permanent basis. Interim coach P.J. Carlesimo is off to a 6-1 start in Johnson's place and is expected to finish the season.
The Nets would then pursue Jackson in the offseason, with Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov looking to make yet another splash.
Asked after the Nets' win Tuesday if Jackson's remark was reassuring, Carlesimo responded, "It's not. That's more fragile than the confidence of the players. I don't believe Phil, anyhow. I've known Phil too long."
Given that the Nets play in New York City and have a playoff-caliber roster -- at least on paper, anyway -- the coaching position might be intriguing to Jackson.
Jackson recently got engaged to Los Angeles Lakers executive Jeanie Buss, but their engagement is not expected to hinder his chances of coming out of retirement, assuming he found a job he wanted.