In a somewhat surprising move, the Brooklyn Nets have chosen Jason Kidd as their next head coach.

According to ESPN.com, the Nets had narrowed their search to two candidates, with Brian Shaw being the other. However, after notifying Shaw that he would not be hired, the Nets effectively selected Kidd. Though an official announcement hasn’t been made by the team yet, NBA sources said on Wednesday: “The job is Jason’s.”

Kidd wasn’t even on the Nets coaching wishlist until he pitched the idea of him leading the team to Nets general manager Billy King earlier this week. Then after a five-hour interview with Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, Kidd convinced the organization that he was the right man for the job.

Of course, what’s interesting about this selection is that Kidd has no coaching experience at any level. The Nets had several experienced and proven winners to choose from, including George Karl and Lionel Hollins, but they decided to go with Kidd, who spent his best years as a player – seven in all – with the Nets when they resided in New Jersey.

Kidd, who just concluded his playing career following the Knicks’ playoff elimination, does have a good rapport with many of the Nets players, including point-guard Deron Williams and the organization feels those personal relationships will help Kidd inspire better performances out of the team.

The hire is certainly the most intriguing of the season so far and though it could be the biggest gamble, it could also have the biggest payoff. We’ll all be keeping a close eye on Kidd and the Nets next season as they look to improve on their successful 2012-2013 campaign.