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Jordi Fernandez offered an in-depth look into his coaching philosophy, background, and views on global basketball during a recent appearance on the Fullcourt Passport podcast hosted by Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar.

The Brooklyn Nets head coach, the first Spaniard to hold an NBA head coaching job, addressed the league’s growing openness to international coaches and said the shift reflects broader thinking across the NBA. “I think it’s a trend from the league in general,” Fernandez said. “The NBA has done a great job just looking outside, learning from other parts of the world.”

Fernandez emphasized that nationality is no longer a barrier in coaching evaluations. “It’s almost like the NBA doesn’t care about your passport,” he said. “They just care like what can you bring to the game.”

He explained how European and American basketball philosophies can complement each other rather than compete. “It’s not better or worse. It’s just different ways of doing it,” Fernández said. “Probably mixing both gets you the best result.”

Reflecting on his early start, Fernandez said his coaching path began as a teenager in Badalona, where basketball culture shaped his identity. “I was able to start coaching when I was 15,” he said. “From there the journey began, and it was fun in a different way.”

He credited passion rather than ambition as the driving force behind his rise. “I’ve never done it for the money,” Fernandez said. “It was more for the love and the excitement of getting better and competing at the highest level.”

When asked about his coaching “superpower,” Fernandez focused on accountability and relationships. “You need to get to know the people to get the best out of the people,” he said. “Accountability goes both ways.”

Fernandez acknowledged mistakes as part of the profession. “I do make a lot of mistakes,” he said. “Basketball is a game of mistakes.”

His experience with national teams also played a key role in shaping his perspective. “The Olympics is the best competition in the world,” Fernandez said. “You’re playing for the jersey and the name.”

He recalled the impact of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics on his development. “I was 10 years old,” Fernandez said. “It was the beginning of a new era for the Olympics.”

Fernandez also discussed European player development and expressed concern about limited opportunities for young prospects. “We complain they go to the NCAA or the NBA, but we don’t make them play,” he said. “Development has to be better.”

As the Nets navigate a rebuilding season in the 2025–26 campaign, Fernandez said holding one of the NBA’s 30 head coaching jobs remains a responsibility. “Having one is an honor,” he said. “The NBA is not just making it. It’s surviving it.”