Stotts introduced as Blazers head coach

The Portland Trail Blazers held a press conference at the Rose Garden arena Wednesday to introduce the franchise's new head coach, Terry Stotts.

Stotts, who most recently served as an assistant under Rick Carlisle in Dallas, said he is energized about the opportunity to be a head coach again.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of a franchise about the Portland Trail Blazers," Stotts said. "I love the city ... I love the Northwest, and I couldn't be more excited to be the head coach."

While the process was longer than many anticipated, General Manager Neil Olshey said everyone involved that had an opportunity to interview Stotts honed in on him as the right candidate.

"Everybody [outside the Blazers] said that Terry has a plan, he understands process, he has a long-term outlook for the franchise, he makes guys better," Olshey said. "That was kind of the complete package we were looking for."

Much of the intrigue surrounding Stotts comes from his offensive coaching ability. Stotts was dubbed as the "offensive coordinator" for the Mavs, who's scheme led them to an NBA title in 2011. Stotts said he's ready to translate that success to the Blazers, especially when it comes to LaMarcus Aldridge.

"I've looked at the offense and there's a lot of positives from an offensive standpoint," Stotts said. "Obviously, LaMarcus Aldridge is a stud. He's an All Star performer, and hopefully I'll be able to use him in a lot of similar ways that we used Dirk Nowitzki [in Dallas]."

Stotts also said he's a "big believer" in three point shooting and pushing the tempo, and said he plans on giving more freedom to players.

Many were convinced that the other finalist, assistant and then interim head coach Kaleb Canales, was the front runner for the position. Stotts addressed the future of Canales with the organization.

"When we interviewed in London, we were coming back on the same flight," reported Stotts. "As we were boarding I said, 'If you get it [the job] that's great. If I get it, I hope you consider being on my staff.' "

"I'm ecstatic to have him on my staff."

Stotts becomes the 14th head coach in Blazers franchise history. He served as a head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2005-07 and Atlanta Hawks from 2002-04, holding a career winning percentage of .406. He also served as an assistant under George Karl in Seattle and has spent the last four years as an assistant in Dallas. Stotts has assistant coaching experience in Milwaukee and Golden State as well.

Listen to the full press conference: