Sergio Scariolo Now the Clear Favorite to be Raptors' Next Head Coach

Sergio Scariolo will not fly to Toronto to interview with the Raptors this week but he's become the clear favorite to become the team's next head coach

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Sergio Scariolo appears to be pulling away from the pack as the Toronto Raptors near a decision on their next head coach.

The 62-year-old former Raptors assistant had been expected to fly to Toronto for a final interview with the organization this week, but the success of his Virtus Bologna in Italy has reportedly postponed those plans, per Marc Stein. Bologna is scheduled to compete in the Series A championship against Milano beginning Friday.

Sportsbooks have Scariolo listed as a heavy favorite with -105 odds to become Toronto’s next head coach, per FanDuel. That implies a 51% chance he lands the job.

Scariolo previously worked as an assistant coach for Toronto from 2018 to 2021. He left the team following the Raptors’ move to Tampa and took over Virtus Bologna where he’s worked since, leading the Black V to a pair of Italian Supercup championships and a EuroCup championship.

Jordi Fernandez is considered the next most-likely candidate for the job, listed at +185, implying a 35% probability. The fellow European candidate is currently an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings with a background in player development.

Kenny Atkinson is the only other candidate believed to have a realistic chance, the sportsbooks say. He’s listed at +250, implying a 29% probability.

The Raptors would like to have their coaching decision finalized before the June 22 NBA Draft. Scariolo, though, is scheduled to be competing in the Italian league final through at least June 16 and possibly longer. 

Further Reading

Bilal Coulibaly is Generating Buzz as Potential Raptors Draft Pick at No. 13

Nick Nurse Thanks Raptors & Discusses Move to 76ers in Introductory Presser

Raptors Host DeAndre Williams in Pre-Draft Workout