The Brooklyn Nets say Jacque Vaughn will be their coach this season

“We are extremely pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Jacque,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement released by the team. “He did an outstanding job under difficult circumstances this past season, embodying the culture and values that we are trying to instill throughout our organization.”

Jacque Vaughn, 47, was an assistant coach with the Nets for two seasons before he was promoted to interim head coach last month when Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, announced he would not return to the sidelines because of health concerns. Vaughn went 12-17 as interim coach.

Ime Udoka, 45, was hired by the Nets in 2016 as an assistant coach under then-head coach Kenny Atkinson. He was promoted to associate head coach last season. Udoka interviewed for the Nets’ head coaching vacancy last week.

Jacque Vaughn becomes the sixth African American head coach in the NBA. He played 12 seasons in the league with five teams before retiring in 2009. Vaughn coached the Orlando Magic for two seasons from 2012-14, compiling a 58-158 record.

“Jacque is a gifted leader who communicates powerfully and consistently demonstrates an ability to positively influence and connect with our players,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement.

“He possesses all of the qualities we value in a head coach — including outstanding people skills, a strong work ethic and an undeniable passion for teaching and developing players.”

Ime Udoka’s attorney, Scott Tompsett, released a statement Friday night saying his client “denies any and all claims of misconduct” and that Udoka “is confident that once a thorough investigation is completed, he will be vindicated.”

Jacque Vaughn will be the Brooklyn Nets’ coach this season, with Ime Udoka suspended pending further investigation. Jacque Vaughn went 12-17 as interim coach last season.