PORTLAND, Ore. -- Jerome Kersey, a fan favorite during his 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, has applied to coach the WNBA's Portland Fire.

Kersey, 40, said he spoke with Fire vice president Sandi Bittler to let her know of his interest in the job, which opened last month when the team declined to renew Linda Hargrove's contract.

"She was receptive, but I'm sure she has received a flurry of names,'' he told The Oregonian.

Team spokeswoman Jill Wiggins said the team would not discuss candidates.

Kersey has no coaching experience, but he played 17 years in the NBA. Kersey said he has followed the WNBA since its inception and had Fire season tickets two years ago.

"It's a good game to watch,'' Kersey said. "A lot of people -- especially guys -- don't like to watch it, but the game has come along every year. It's very exciting.''

Kersey joins former University of Oregon women's coach Jody Runge among well-known candidates who have applied for the job.