Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey has emerged as the clear favorite to land the Toronto Raptors' coaching job and could be installed as the team's new coach by next week, according to sources close to the situation.

The Raptors began the week having narrowed their search for a successor to Jay Triano down to the former Minnesota Timberwolves coach andBoston Celtics assistant coach Lawrence Frank. But Toronto has since zeroed in on Casey after interviews with both men this week, drawn largely to Casey's success as the defensive coordinator for a Mavericks team that just won the first championship in franchise history.

Casey's reputation as a defensive guru undoubtedly appeals to the Raptors after they finished 30th in the league in defensive efficiency last season, allowing 110 points per 100 possessions.