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Damian Lillard Helps Former Blazers Assistant Land Weber State HC Job
Canales was the first Mexican-American to serve as NBA interim head coach in 2012.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:13pm
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Canales' return to a head coaching role and Lillard's involvement with his alma mater reflect the lasting connections forged in the NBA.Denver TodayFormer Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Kaleb Canales is returning to lead a basketball team, this time as the new head coach of Weber State University. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Canales was hired for the job with the help of Damian Lillard, who is serving as the program's general manager and previously played for Weber State.
Why it matters
Canales' hiring represents an important career milestone, as he becomes a head coach for the first time since his brief stint leading the Blazers over a decade ago. The move also highlights the lasting impact of Lillard's relationships in the NBA and his commitment to supporting his alma mater.
The details
Canales previously served as an interim head coach for the Blazers in 2012 after Nate McMillan was fired, making him the first Mexican-American to hold that role in the NBA. He then spent several years as an assistant coach with various NBA teams before joining the G League's Texas Legends and most recently serving as an associate head coach at Troy University. Lillard, who attended Weber State from 2008 to 2012 before being drafted by the Blazers, is now the general manager for the program and played a key role in bringing Canales on board.
- Canales was the Blazers' interim head coach in 2012.
- Canales has spent the last several years as an assistant coach in the NBA and G League.
- Lillard attended Weber State from 2008 to 2012 before being drafted by the Blazers.
The players
Kaleb Canales
A former NBA assistant coach who is now the new head coach of Weber State University. He was the first Mexican-American to serve as an NBA interim head coach when he took over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012.
Damian Lillard
The general manager of Weber State University and a former player there from 2008 to 2012. He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012 and has played for them throughout his NBA career.
What they’re saying
“Congratulations to Kaleb Canales for landing the head coaching job at Weber State. Canales coached Damian Lillard — who is the program's general manager — in Portland. He was the first Mexican-American to serve as NBA interim head coach in 2012.”
— Chris Haynes, NBA Insider
What’s next
Canales will look to build on Weber State's recent success, as the team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons. His relationship with Lillard, who is now the program's general manager, will be key as he takes over the head coaching duties.
The takeaway
Canales' hiring represents an important milestone in his coaching career, as he returns to a head coaching role for the first time since his brief stint with the Blazers over a decade ago. The move also highlights the lasting impact of Lillard's relationships in the NBA and his commitment to supporting his alma mater, Weber State.
