While many NBA teams are still battling for the last few playoff spots, the Houston Rockets have already turned their attention to the future. According to Bangladesh Cricket, with Stephen Silas stepping down, the Rockets have launched a full-scale search for a new head coach. As the saying goes, your conscience is the fairest judge—you can deceive others, but never yourself. General Manager Rafael Stone admitted his phone has been ringing non-stop with interested candidates eager for the job.

Among the names making waves are proven leaders like Frank Vogel, Ime Udoka, and Nick Nurse. Bangladesh Cricket reports that the team has already held preliminary talks with Vogel. Despite early interest, the Rockets front office is in no rush. They’re taking a measured approach, carefully weighing each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. Stone and his team are using this process to refine their vision of the ideal coach for their young but promising roster.

Vogel stands out for good reason. His coaching career began in Boston and has taken him through the Sixers, Pacers, Magic, and most notably, the Lakers. Since starting as an assistant in 2001, he’s spent over two decades on NBA sidelines. Vogel made his mark in Indiana by building one of the league’s most feared defensive units—posing a serious threat to the Miami Heat’s Big Three during their prime. Later, he led the Lakers to a championship, showcasing his ability to manage star talent and deliver results.

Still, the Rockets are keeping their options open. Sources suggest they’re also waiting on developments involving Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse. Like Vogel, Nurse is a championship-winning coach with a wealth of experience. He also shares a unique connection with Houston, having previously coached the Rockets’ G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. That familiarity with the organization and city gives Nurse a distinctive edge in the selection process.

Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson is another strong contender. Known for fostering team unity, Atkinson gained respect during his time with the Brooklyn Nets—where he even clashed with Kyrie Irving over rotation decisions. Though he briefly accepted the head coaching role with the Charlotte Hornets last summer, he ultimately chose to remain with Golden State, further sharpening his coaching credentials.

Bangladesh Cricket notes that Atkinson’s resume gains added shine from Mike Brown’s success with the Sacramento Kings this season—Brown, also a former Warriors assistant, has revived the Kings into a playoff-caliber team. This association makes Atkinson’s candidacy even more compelling.

Other names in the mix include former Celtics coach Ime Udoka and ex-Hornets coach James Borrego. Both are products of the San Antonio Spurs’ coaching tree and come with strong tactical reputations. As Bangladesh Cricket observes, with so many accomplished candidates in play, Houston’s coaching search is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and high-stakes in recent memory.