Dirk Nowitzki Announces Return to Dallas Mavericks—This Time as Head Coach

In a move that has electrified the basketball world and stirred deep nostalgia across the NBA, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has officially announced that he will be returning to the franchise—not as a player, but as the next head coach of the team he helped build into a powerhouse.

During a packed press conference at American Airlines Center earlier this morning, Nowitzki, 46, confirmed the rumors that have swirled for weeks: he will take over as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks starting with the 2025–26 NBA season. The announcement marks a new era for the franchise and a full-circle moment for the man who defined it for over two decades.

A Legendary Career Comes Full Circle

Dirk Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year NBA career with the Mavericks, becoming the league’s highest-scoring foreign-born player and one of the greatest power forwards of all time. Known for his unguardable one-legged fadeaway jumper, relentless work ethic, and loyalty to the Mavericks organization, Nowitzki left an indelible mark on the game and the city of Dallas.

His résumé speaks for itself: 14-time All-Star, 2007 NBA MVP, 2011 NBA champion and Finals MVP, and the sixth all-time leading scorer in league history with 31,560 points. Beyond the accolades, Dirk was known for his humility, team-first mentality, and quiet leadership—qualities that fans and players alike believe will translate well into coaching.

“Dirk Nowitzki isn’t just a basketball icon—he is the Dallas Mavericks,” said team owner Mark Cuban during the press conference. “He built this franchise with his blood, sweat, and loyalty. I can’t think of a better person to lead us into the future.”

The Coaching Journey Begins

While Dirk had remained relatively quiet about his post-retirement ambitions, he had been involved with the team in an advisory role over the past few seasons, occasionally sitting in on practices, mentoring younger players, and consulting with front office staff.

Still, few expected this step so soon.

“I’ve had time to reflect since retiring in 2019, and during that time, I realized how much I missed the game—not just playing it, but being in the trenches, strategizing, growing as a team,” Nowitzki said. “I’ve been around the Mavericks in different capacities, but coaching feels like the natural next chapter for me. I want to give back to the game and to this organization in a deeper way.”

Nowitzki went on to say that he had been studying coaching strategies, sitting in on NBA and international team