While the NBA playoffs are heating up, the Sixers are at home on the couch: not exactly what Sixers fans had envisioned for their team during last offseason. But things don't always go according to plan and the 76ers need to move on and find Doug Collins' replacement.
I know its not fun to admit, but the 76ers aren't exactly the most appealing destination for head coaching candidates (stop dreaming about Phil Jackson). Although Holiday is a great piece, the roster has too many questions to be attractive. Will Bynum be back? Is Evan Turner a part of the future or trade bait? What about the other unrestricted free agents? The next few years are most likely going to be a rough rebuilding process.
Here's a look at a few possibilities for the next Sixers head coach:
Stan Van Gundy- The former head coach of the Magic was fired following last season. As the head coach of Orlando for five seasons, he took his team to the playoffs each year and even to the 2008-09 Finals before losing to the Lakers. The Pat Reilly product was also the head coach of the Heat from 2003-2006 where he also had success. Overall, Van Gundy has a career record of 579-371 with his teams.
Sixers fans want to win and they want to win now; Van Gundy has proven he can do that. In his first year with both teams he led them to the playoffs and in his first year with the Magic he led them to an impressive 52-30 record and a division title. The 76ers haven't been won that many games since their Finals run in 2001 under Larry Brown. Stan Van Gundy's personality is something else Philly fans could appreciate. He's a straight shooter with a no B.S. attitude. The only thing the Sixers need to do is sell themselves to Van Gundy which may be hard to do.
Avery Johnson- Johnson, a former NBA Coach of the Year, has headed two teams and has championship experience as a former player. Johnson was most recently head coach of the Nets but was relieved of his duties early in the season after a mediocre start. He was coach of the Mavericks for four seasons, winning Coach of the year in 2006, and leading Dallas to the playoffs all four years. Like Van Gundy, Johnson has also led his team to the Finals in 2005-06. He was hired as head coach of the Nets in 2010 during their rebuilding period. With the Nets, he missed the playoffs both years, winning less than 25 games both years. But for his career he owns a winning percentage of .577. As a former point guard, Johnson brings a playmaker's vision to the head coaching position and could help in further development of Holiday. I don't think Johnson is too much of a reach and should be a serious consideration.
Michael Curry- Before resigning, Collins said he would hope that the Sixers would look in-house for a replacement and it's been rumored that the 76ers will interview current associate head coach Michael Curry. Curry has been with the Sixers for the past three seasons and would bring a defensive coaching style. Curry was a defensive specialist as a player where he spent one year on the Sixers' roster. The benefits of hiring Curry would be an existing relationship with both the players and organization. Michael Curry only has one year of head coaching experience with the Pistons in 2008-09 where Detroit went 39-43 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. If the Sixers don't hire Curry its very possible other teams with openings may be interested.
Aaron McKie- Another in-organization alternative is Aaron McKie who has been an assistant coach for the 76ers for six seasons. Although he has zero head coaching experience he is very familiar with the city, roster and the organization. An important factor to consider is McKie's close relationship with Jrue Holiday, who will most likely be the Sixer's centerpiece for the foreseeable future. McKie is also a Philadelphian, something the fans would appreciate. McKie was born in Philly, went to Temple, and played with the Sixers for the majority of his 15 year career. The only downfall is his lack of head coaching experience but everybody needs a start somewhere.
Brian Shaw- Shaw is one of the most widely well respected assistant coaches in the league. He is currently associate head coach of the Pacers who are impressing in the playoffs. Shaw has also spent time as an assistant coach of the Lakers under Phil Jackson. Although he has no head coaching experience, he is young (only 47) and has learned from the best in the Zen Master. Shaw should definitely be considered by the Sixers and if not he will almost definitely be hired as a head coach somewhere else.
Rick Pitino- It would be nice to have the reigning NCAA champion coach come to Philly but this seems pretty unlikely. Pitino, current coach of Louisville, has led three different schools to the Final Four and has won two NCAA championships. Rick Pitino tried his hand at NBA coaching with the Knicks in the 1980's and the Celtics in the late 90's. In his second year with New York, Pitino led the Knicks to their first division title in almost 20 years before losing in the Conference Semifinals. His three and a half years in Boston were very different, failing to make the playoffs once. Pitino has been extremely successful as a college coach and I doubt he would want to make the jump to the NBA again where he's been inconsistent at best. However, it would be interesting for the 76ers to consider Philly area college coaches like Fran Dunphy or Jay Wright who may want to take it to the next level.
Lionel Hollins- Although currently the head coach of a solid Grizzlies team, Hollins and the Memphis front office are not rumored to have the best relationship. If the Grizzlies are outed in the first round again it is very likely Hollins may be fired. The Sixers should jump on the opportunity. Hollins' Grizzlies have been a defensive force for the last three seasons, making the playoffs in each of them. This year, Hollins led Memphis to 56 wins. As the Grizzlies head coach for 3 separate stints (weird, right?), his career head coaching winning percentage is .516, but over the last three seasons has been .622. If available, Hollins would bring a stingy defensive culture to the Sixers. But do the Sixers have the pieces Hollins would require to be successful?
Any candidates I missed and that you think the Sixers should interview? Post them in the comments!
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