The Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching search took a turn late last week with reports that Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson was “gaining steam” to become the next head coach of the Wine and Gold. This came as a shock to some as New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego was viewed as the front-runner just a week ago.

An old connection between the Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert and future Hall of Fame Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo may be the reason for this change in narrative, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line. 

“Potentially boosting Atkinson’s chances: Legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is said to be an Atkinson fan,” Stein wrote on his ‘The Stein Line’ Substack. “Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, of course, is a well-known Izzo fan who graduated from Michigan State and is said to have resumed significant involvement in team affairs compared to recent years.”

There was chatter after the Cavaliers dismissed J.B. Bickerstaff that Gilbert may have an influence on who becomes the next head coach so seeing this potential impact come to fruition is not completely unexpected.

It’s also important to note that Atkinson has other connections to the Cavs such as Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen who he coached when they were all with the Brooklyn Nets a few years back.

While momentum may be building for Atkinson to be chosen for the position, Stein also reports that Borrego and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori are also still in contention as Cleveland’s front office continues to mull over arguably the biggest decision of the offseason. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A crash between two vehicles in Ohio City Sunday morning left two dead and one injured, according to Cleveland Police.

19 News was on the scene of the collision in the area of West 44th Street and Lorain Avenue.

According to Cleveland Police, the Accident Investigation Unit is looking into a two-vehicle accident that occurred around 5:50 a.m.

Police said a 58-year-old man was pronounced deceased on the scene.

A 48-year-old woman, who was also in the vehicle, was transported to the hospital where she later died, police said.

A 27-year-old man in the other vehicle was also transported to the hospital and his condition is unknown, police said.

19 News crews on the scene reported seeing a Volkswagen Microbus crushed into two pieces and Kia smashed into the nearby Dominos.

Cleveland Police, EMS and Cuyahoga Medical Examiner were on the scene of the accident.

This is a developing story. Check back with 19 News for updates.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.

“I am honored to serve as the newest member of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and help to uphold and improve law enforcement training in Ohio,” Nelsen said in a press release.

He has been with the FBI for more than 23 years. He had also been the deputy assistant director at the FBI Criminal Justice Information Service Division’s Operational Programs Branch. Before joining the FBI, he had been a police officer.

“The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission improves Ohio peace officers’ professional capabilities through the careful oversight of law enforcement training within the state,” the release reads. “The commission has also been given the same responsibility regarding private security, local corrections, jail personnel, bailiffs, and public defender investigators.”

The governor appoints the commission members “with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate” for a three-year term. They can make recommendations related to officer training to the Attorney General.