George Karl is expected to assume the Sacramento Kings' head-coaching job as early as Friday, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.

Karl is set to become the Kings' third head coach this season following intense speculation regarding his hiring in recent days. Michael Malone began the season in the position but was ousted in favor of Tyrone Corbin after Sacramento stumbled following a hot start.

Making for a somewhat awkward situation, Corbin will coach the Kings for the last time Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee. Jones reports that Karl's hiring has already been completed, and that the 63-year-old has begun assembling his coaching staff.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, meanwhile, reports that contract terms, including a potential fourth year, still need to be finalized.

An official introductory press conference won't happen until after Sunday's All-Star Game because the team doesn't want to diminish the importance of center DeMarcus Cousins' debut in the prestigious event, according to Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee.

Cousins, who was reportedly holding up the hiring of Karl, issued a statement Tuesday, saying he wasn't consulted about the move.

Karl hasn't coached since he was fired by the Denver Nuggets following the 2012-13 season after he led the team to a 57-25 record.

Denver was knocked out in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs in six games by the Golden State Warriors that season.

Karl's latest opportunity comes more than 30 years after he accepted his first head-coaching position with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1984.