Avery Johnson signs on to be the next coach of the New Jersey Nets

Avery Johnson has reached agreement on a three-year contract to coach the New Jersey Nets, NBA sources said.

Johnson, who had also interviewed for the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers openings, was the Dallas Mavericks coach until he was fired after the 2007-08 season.

Johnson’s hiring leaves three teams with vacancies: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and the Hawks.