Ex-Rocket Elie Interviews for Bobcats coaching job

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6764154



CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Former Houston Rockets guard Mario Elie interviewed Tuesday for the Charlotte Bobcats' vacant head coaching job.

Elie's agent, Tony Dutt, confirmed he met with Bobcats part-owner Michael Jordan and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff.

Elie's audition came a day after former Hornets and Cavaliers coach Paul Silas interviewed for the job.

The Bobcats are expected to interview a least a half-dozen candidates to replace Bickerstaff, who served as the expansion team's coach and GM in its first three years. Bickerstaff is staying with the team in a front office role.

Elie played 11 years in the NBA with six different teams and helped lead the Rockets to consecutive NBA titles in 1994 and '95. He's served as an assistant coach with San Antonio and Golden State. Elie did not coach last season, serving as a television analyst for the Rockets.

Elie told Houston television station KRIV-TV he thinks he has a shot at the job.

"All I can do is wait. I'm sure they are going to meet with other people. I think I am as qualified as anyone," Elie said.

Hiring a coach will be the first major decision by Jordan, who has the final say on all basketball decisions.

Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell, who is in the final year of his contract, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate. Mitchell has a close relationship with Bickerstaff and was hired as Charlotte's first assistant a month before he was hired by Toronto.

But Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo has said he wants to sign Mitchell to a new contract.


i hope he gets the job.