Nia Long’s former partner has a new coaching job

Nia Long’s ex-fiancé Ime Udoka has returned to the sport with a new act following her infamous cheating scandal.

Nearly a year ago, the estranged couple called off their engagement after Udoka was accused of having an affair with a colleague while coaching the Boston Celtics.

Although he was suspended from the organization for the 2022-2023 season due to the alleged affair, he has now been offered a coaching position with the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

Nia Long’s former partner Ime Udoka has landed a coaching job with the Houston Rockets

According to the Twitter Update from ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, Long’s ex-partner has a new job with a new team, unsurprisingly prompting Twitter users to voice their opinions on the development.

“ESPN sources: Ime Udoka has reached a deal to become the next coach of the Houston Rockets,” Wojnarowski wrote, adding a picture of the former basketball player with the caption “Breaking news” and the reporter’s name.

Wojnarowski commented on the news, pointing to Udoka’s cheating scandal, before users chimed in with comments. The sports reporter wrote how the Rockets felt about the scandal surrounding their new coach:

“The Rockets have reviewed the circumstances of Udoka’s departure from the Celtics with the team and the league office. Udoka, who led the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals in his only season as head coach, was fired after being found to have an inappropriate workplace relationship.

“WOWWWW,” wrote one surprised commenter, while another declared: “I wonder if he snuck into the Rockets to set up a discreet meeting.” One user thought Rockets star James Harden wasn’t a fan of working with the new coach, but later acknowledged the team’s “great hire.”

Several other commenters were blunt with their opinions, including one who commented, “Keep your wives at home,” along with another who wrote, “Houston women close your doors.” Grayling PEOPLEUdoka is set to replace Stephen Silas, whose combined record as the Rockets’ head coach was 59-177 over the past three seasons.

It will be his first post after repeatedly violating Boston Celtics team policy, most notably his relationship with a female subordinate, for which he was disciplined.

ESPN sources: Ime Udoka has agreed on the next coach of the Houston Rockets. pic.twitter.com/xhcDRDfnNJ

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2023

The team’s majority owner, Wyc Grousbeck, said that no one other than the ex-Celtics coach should be punished, adding that the team will be vigilant to “make sure that Udoka’s actions are not a precursor to a larger problem.”

Notably, the Rockets finished 14th in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record, while Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first year as an NBA head coach. Additionally, the Celtics named Joe Mazzulla the interim head coach and eventually removed the interim tag, making Mazzulla the permanent coach through the season.

As you may know, the 45-year-old trainer’s infidelity broke in September 2022, and he received backlash on social media for ‘cheating’ the ‘Fatal Affair’ actress.

Shortly after word of Udoka’s infidelity spread, PEOPLE revealed that she and Long had ended their 13-year relationship. A source mentioned that while the situation is “unfortunate and painful,” the actress is focused on her work and “rebuilding her life.”

A representative for Long confirmed that the couple, who had one child, Kez, were “no longer together, but remained “fully committed to raising their son together.” Their separation was caused by the Boston Celtics, who addressed Udoka’s suspension at a press conference in September.

Such publicity was distressing for Long, who told The Hollywood Reporter how “heartbreaking” it was to see his son’s face when the team “made a very private situation public.” Meanwhile, his ex later told ESPN’s Malika Andrews that he apologized to his players, fans, family and the Celtics for letting them down and putting them in a “tough situation.”

The “Soul Food” actress said she felt liberated after splitting from her ex-fiancé

Earlier this year, Long showed that she had moved on from her ex-fiancé’s disgraceful affair as she found a new love interest after being spotted in the arms of some male celebs.

During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, she emphasized her single status, saying she was “enjoying the single life.” TThe “Friday” actress admitted she’s not done finding love before hinting at a possible beau she refuses to share.

“I have my eye on one person,” he declared. “I won’t tell. I’ll never tell.” Prior to her appearance on the show, the 52-year-old Hollywood star was rumored to be dating a couple of A-listers in the entertainment industry.

She was first linked to singer Omarion and then to Terrence J. Howard, but Long denied both rumors.