Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Jordi Fernández is a Spanish professional basketball coach and the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Born on December 27, 1982, in Badalona, Spain, he made history in April 2024 when he became the first Spaniard appointed as the permanent head coach of an NBA franchise. Beyond his coaching achievements, Fernández is a devoted family man who shares his life with his American wife, Kelsey Lydon, and their two children, Lluna and Bowie.
Although Fernández has spent much of his professional career in the United States, he maintains strong connections with his family in Badalona. His parents and sister continue to be important figures in his life, and he has frequently credited his upbringing with shaping his personal values and coaching philosophy. Here is what is publicly known about Jordi Fernández’s wife, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Jordi Fernández’s Wife: Who Is Kelsey Lydon?
Jordi Fernández is married to Kelsey Lydon, an American woman from Cleveland, Ohio, who has supported his basketball coaching career for many years.
The couple built their relationship while Fernández was establishing himself in the United States, progressing through various coaching positions before becoming an NBA head coach.
Kelsey has accompanied her husband through important professional transitions, including his time with the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets.
Although she is married to one of the NBA’s most recognizable European coaches, she has generally maintained a relatively private personal life.
Her professional background, education and exact wedding date have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Nevertheless, her importance to Fernández is clear from his public interviews, in which he frequently emphasizes the support he receives from his wife and children.
How Did Jordi Fernández Meet His Wife?
Jordi Fernández met Kelsey Lydon while working in the Cleveland Cavaliers organization during the early stages of his NBA coaching career.
According to an ESPN feature published in 2026 examining Fernández’s longstanding friendship with NBA coach Mike Brown, the couple began dating while Fernández was involved with the Cavaliers’ developmental system.
At the time, Kelsey was living in Cleveland, while Jordi was pursuing coaching opportunities within the organization.
Their relationship faced an early challenge when Fernández accepted a position with the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers’ NBA Development League affiliate.
The move required him to work away from Cleveland, complicating their relationship shortly after they had started dating.
However, the couple maintained their connection and eventually married.
Over the following years, Kelsey supported Jordi as his coaching career took him to Denver, Sacramento and Brooklyn.
Their relationship reflects the adjustments frequently required of families whose members work in professional sports.
How Kelsey Lydon Supported Jordi Fernández’s NBA Career
Kelsey has been present during several of the most important milestones in her husband’s professional career.
When the Brooklyn Nets announced Fernández as their new head coach in April 2024, she attended his introductory press conference alongside their two children.
Photographs from the event showed the family celebrating as Jordi began a historic chapter in his coaching career.
Speaking during the presentation, Fernández emphasized that the opportunity belonged not only to him but also to the people who had supported him.
He acknowledged that his career would not have been possible without his family’s love and encouragement.
The couple subsequently moved to New York with their children as Fernández prepared for his first season as Brooklyn’s head coach.
In an October 2024 interview with the Spanish news agency EFE, he explained that his wife and children were enjoying the experience of adapting to their new home.
He also emphasized that maintaining a strong family life remained one of his most important priorities.
Jordi Fernández’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Jordi Fernández has two children with his wife, Kelsey Lydon: a daughter named Lluna and a son named Bowie.
Their names were confirmed in an April 2024 family profile published by the Spanish magazine ¡HOLA! and in subsequent interviews with the coach.
Both children were born in Denver, Colorado, during the period when Fernández was working as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets.
Although the children are growing up in the United States, their father has made a deliberate effort to preserve their connection to his Catalan and Spanish heritage.
Lluna Fernández: Jordi Fernández’s Daughter
Lluna is Jordi Fernández and Kelsey Lydon’s oldest child and their only publicly documented daughter.
According to ¡HOLA!, she was approximately six years old in April 2024.
Her name, Lluna, is the Catalan word for “moon,” reflecting her father’s cultural background.
Lluna was born in Denver and spent her early years accompanying her family during different stages of Jordi’s coaching career.
Her father has occasionally discussed the experience of raising children while working in professional basketball.
In a 2018 interview with the Catalan sports newspaper L’Esportiu, Fernández described how his daughter had already traveled extensively despite being very young.
He recalled family journeys involving Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, Cleveland and Badalona.
The trips were part of the family’s lifestyle as Jordi pursued coaching opportunities across the United States.
Lluna also appeared alongside her brother and parents at the Brooklyn Nets’ introductory press conference in April 2024.
Although her father is a public figure, her education and other personal details have generally remained private.
Bowie Fernández: Jordi Fernández’s Son
Bowie is Jordi Fernández’s younger child and only publicly documented son.
According to ¡HOLA!, he was approximately three years old in April 2024.
Like his sister, Bowie was born in Denver while his father was working with the Nuggets.
He has appeared with the family at basketball events and public celebrations involving the Brooklyn Nets.
In April 2024, Bowie and Lluna joined their parents on stage during their father’s official introduction as Brooklyn’s head coach.
The children were photographed holding a basketball alongside Jordi, providing a memorable family moment during the press conference.
Bowie has also accompanied his family to events celebrating Catalan traditions in the United States.
However, relatively little information about his individual interests and everyday life has been shared publicly.
Why Jordi Fernández Speaks Catalan With His Children
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Fernández household is the family’s multilingual upbringing.
Although Lluna and Bowie were born in the United States and have an American mother, their father wants them to maintain a strong connection with Catalonia.
During a December 25, 2024, interview with ElNacional.cat, Fernández explained that he speaks Catalan with his children.
His goal is for them to grow up speaking Catalan, Spanish and English confidently.
He believes learning these languages will help his children communicate with relatives in Spain and better understand their cultural heritage.
Friends of the coach have also explained that he consistently speaks Catalan or Spanish with his children so they can maintain relationships with family members in Badalona.
The approach reflects Fernández’s desire to preserve his identity while raising an international family.
Jordi Fernández’s Parents
Jordi Fernández was born and raised in Badalona, Catalonia, where his parents continue to have strong connections.
Although their full names and occupations have not been extensively documented in major public sources, both parents have played important roles in his personal and professional development.
Fernández frequently mentions them when discussing his upbringing, his early experiences in basketball and the values that helped him become an NBA coach.
Jordi Fernández’s Father
Jordi Fernández’s father has maintained a relatively private public profile despite his son’s achievements in professional basketball.
His name and occupation have not been conclusively established through the authoritative interviews and official records reviewed.
However, his involvement in Jordi’s life is well documented.
In a November 2024 interview with the Catalan newspaper ARA, Fernández explained that his father regularly watches his NBA games.
Even while living thousands of kilometers away in Badalona, he has remained interested in his son’s coaching career.
Jordi also revealed that his parents traveled to New York to attend his first home game as Brooklyn’s head coach at Barclays Center.
Their presence made the occasion particularly meaningful.
His father has also participated in family visits to the United States, celebrating important professional milestones alongside Jordi’s wife and children.
In April 2026, both of Fernández’s parents traveled from Badalona to New York for a celebration of Sant Jordi, a traditional Catalan holiday.
The event, organized with the Brooklyn Nets, brought together members of the local community and highlighted Catalan culture.
Jordi Fernández’s Mother
Jordi Fernández’s mother is another important figure in his life, although her full name has not been widely documented in reliable sports coverage.
Her dedication to supporting her son’s coaching career was highlighted in a November 3, 2024, interview with ARA.
During the conversation, Fernández explained that his mother had spent approximately 15 years following his basketball games live, even when the time difference between Spain and the United States made it difficult.
When the Nets played on the American West Coast, games could take place during the early morning hours in Catalonia.
Nevertheless, she continued watching to support her son.
Fernández contrasted her viewing habits with those of his father and grandmother, who also followed his games but did not necessarily watch every contest live.
The story demonstrated the close relationship between the coach and his mother despite their geographical separation.
His parents also traveled to New York in October 2024 for Brooklyn’s first home game under his leadership.
Fernández described their attendance as one of the most meaningful parts of the occasion.
He has consistently emphasized that the support of his parents helped him remain connected to his roots while building a career abroad.
Jordi Fernández’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jordi Fernández has a sister, whom he has mentioned in several interviews about his upbringing in Badalona.
Her existence is directly confirmed by Fernández himself in interviews with Cadena SER, EFE and other Spanish media outlets.
However, her name, age and occupation have not been conclusively identified through reliable publicly available sources.
Jordi Fernández’s Sister
Jordi Fernández’s sister remains an important part of his extended family in Spain.
In an interview with Cadena SER published on May 2, 2024, Fernández spoke about the people he left behind when he moved abroad to pursue his coaching career.
He specifically mentioned his parents, sister and longtime friends as people who continued living in or maintaining connections to Badalona.
Later, in an October 2024 interview with EFE, Fernández again acknowledged his sister when discussing those who had contributed to his personal development.
He also mentioned his grandmother and other relatives, explaining that his achievements were connected to the support and values he received while growing up.
Although his sister has generally remained outside media attention, she is clearly part of the family network that Fernández continues to value.
There is insufficient reliable information to confirm whether Jordi has any additional siblings.
Jordi Fernández’s Family Background in Badalona
Jordi Fernández was born on December 27, 1982, in Badalona, a city near Barcelona known for its strong basketball tradition.
He developed an interest in the sport at a young age and began playing basketball with Joventut Badalona when he was approximately six years old.
His childhood experiences in the city helped establish the foundation for his eventual coaching career.
By the age of 15, Fernández was already involved in coaching young basketball players.
After completing his education in sports science, he continued developing his coaching abilities through experiences in Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and the United States.
Although his career eventually took him thousands of kilometers away from home, he continued maintaining strong relationships with relatives in Catalonia.
In several interviews, Fernández has explained that his hometown and family remain central to his identity.
He has also supported initiatives to improve basketball facilities in Badalona, including a project involving a historic neighborhood basketball court.
For Fernández, maintaining those connections is part of giving back to the community that helped shape his career.
How Jordi Fernández’s Family Supported His NBA Coaching Career
Jordi Fernández’s journey to becoming an NBA head coach required years of work, professional development and international travel.
After beginning his coaching career in Spain, he spent time learning from different basketball programs before securing an opportunity in the United States.
In 2009, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as a player development coach, working in an organization that included LeBron James and other established NBA players.
He later worked with the Canton Charge in the NBA Development League before joining the Denver Nuggets as an assistant coach in 2016.
During his six seasons in Denver, Fernández gained experience developing players and contributing to an increasingly successful team.
In 2022, he joined the Sacramento Kings as associate head coach under Mike Brown.
The Kings ended a lengthy playoff drought during the 2022–23 NBA season, and Fernández received recognition for his work with the coaching staff.
His international experience also expanded when he became head coach of Canada’s men’s national basketball team in 2023.
Under his leadership, Canada won the bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, defeating the United States in the third-place game.
In April 2024, Fernández reached another professional milestone when Brooklyn appointed him as head coach.
The announcement made him the first Spaniard to become the permanent head coach of an NBA franchise.
During his introduction, Fernández highlighted the sacrifices his wife and children had made while accompanying him through different stages of his career.
He also remembered the parents, relatives, friends and mentors who had helped him develop in Badalona.
His appointment represented both a personal achievement and an important moment for Spanish basketball.
Jordi Fernández Celebrates Catalan Culture With His Family in Brooklyn
On April 23, 2026, Fernández participated in a special celebration of Sant Jordi in Brooklyn, New York.
The event was organized at Public School 1, also known as The Bergen School, and brought Catalan cultural traditions to children in the United States.
Fernández read stories about Saint George and the origins of basketball, answered questions from students and participated in activities with members of the school community.
His wife Kelsey and their two children attended the event.
His parents also traveled from Badalona to participate in the celebration, according to reporting by the Spanish news agency EFE.
The event demonstrated how Fernández continues to connect his American family life with the traditions of his hometown.
It also reinforced his commitment to ensuring that Lluna and Bowie understand their Catalan heritage while growing up in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jordi Fernández’s Family
Who is Jordi Fernández’s wife?
Jordi Fernández’s wife is Kelsey Lydon, an American woman from Cleveland, Ohio. The couple met while he was developing his NBA coaching career and have two children together.
How many children does Jordi Fernández have?
Jordi Fernández has two children with his wife, Kelsey Lydon: a daughter named Lluna and a son named Bowie.
Who is Jordi Fernández’s daughter?
His daughter is Lluna, the older of his two children. She was approximately six years old in April 2024 and was born in Denver, Colorado.
Who is Jordi Fernández’s son?
His son is Bowie, who was approximately three years old in April 2024. Like his sister, Bowie was born in Denver.
Who are Jordi Fernández’s parents?
Jordi Fernández’s parents live in or maintain strong connections to Badalona, Spain. Although their names have not been conclusively established through authoritative public sources, both have supported his basketball career and attended important NBA events.
Does Jordi Fernández have siblings?
Yes. Jordi Fernández has a sister whom he has mentioned in multiple interviews. Her name and occupation have not been reliably confirmed in major public sources.
What languages does Jordi Fernández speak with his children?
Jordi Fernández speaks Catalan with his children and wants them to develop fluency in Catalan, Spanish and English.
Where is Jordi Fernández from?
Jordi Fernández was born on December 27, 1982, in Badalona, Catalonia, Spain.
Is Jordi Fernández the first Spanish NBA head coach?
Yes. He became the first Spaniard appointed as the permanent head coach of an NBA franchise when the Brooklyn Nets hired him in April 2024.
What NBA team does Jordi Fernández coach?
Jordi Fernández is the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. He previously served on the coaching staffs of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.

Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
