NEW ORLEANS — A person familiar with the New Orleans Hornets' coaching search says the club has conducted its first two interviews with former Dallas coach Avery Johnson and current Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey.

Hornets general manager Jeff Bower and team president Hugh Weber traveled to Texas along with team owner Gary Chouest to meet with Johnson and Casey on Tuesday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has not officially named any candidates.

Johnson, who interviewed with Philadelphia on Monday, coached the Mavs for three-plus seasons ending in 2008. He guided Dallas to an NBA finals appearance in 2006.

Casey was the Minnesota Timberwolves' head coach from June 2005 to January 2007.