Frank to remain with Nets

According to the online version of the New York Times, the Nets will relinquish Frank’s interim tag and begin contract negotiations after the playoffs.

New Jersey also holds an option until June 30 to bring back Frank for the 2004-05 season.

The 33-year-old Frank took over for Byron Scott, who was fired in January, and guided the Nets to an Atlantic Division title and a No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

New Jersey closes the regular season on Wednesday night at Miami. The NBA playoffs start Saturday and New Jersey will open the post-season by hosting either New York or New Orleans.

Frank set a record for major professional sports in North America by starting his coaching career 13-0 when he replaced Scott on January 26. Frank, who joined Scott’s coaching staff during the 2000-01 season, was in the midst of his fourth year as a New Jersey assistant coach.

Before landing a assistant job with the Nets, Frank spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Grizzlies under Brain Hill. His major responsibilities included scouting upcoming opponents as well as handling practice and bench coaching duties.

Prior to joining Vancouver, Frank served as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee for three seasons under Head Coach Kevin O’Neill. O’Neill is currently the head coach of the Toronto Raptors. Ironically that was not the first time that Frank and O’Neill have worked together. Frank first worked with O’Neill as a staff assistant at Marquette back in 1992.

Frank, a 1992 graduate from Indiana University, gained his basketball knowledge while serving as a manager for the Hoosier basketball team. A team that was led by legendary head coach Bobby Knight.