USA TODAY: Candidates ready for turn on coaching carousel

Candidates ready for turn on coaching carousel

So many vacancies and so many able bodies to fill them.

There are currently eight head coaching jobs open in the NBA, including two teams with interim coaches whose status is uncertain (Atlanta and the Los Angeles Clippers). With Larry Brown's resignation from Philadelphia, the 76ers join the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Hornets, Toronto Raptors and the Charlotte expansion team, which will begin play in the 2004-05 season as teams looking for head coaches. (Related story: 76ers' Brown steps down)

Brown is at the top of most teams' wish lists now that he is free. The 76ers have said that they won't ask for compensation from any team that signs him, even though they could have under terms of his contract that had two years left on it. Brown isn't the only highly qualified candidate out there, however.

USA TODAY's David DuPree takes a quick look at Brown and nine other hot coaching commodities:

Larry Brown: At 62 is considered the league's best teacher whom fellow NBA coaches seek out for advice. Resigned Monday from 76ers, apparently to seek employment elsewhere.

Dwane Casey: Seattle SuperSonics associate head coach is a tireless, patient worker who knows how to get the most out of young talent; is excellent in one-on-one situations.

P.J. Carlesimo: San Antonio Spurs assistant and former Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers coach is a strong teacher who could be very attractive to a young team.

Eddie Jordan: New Jersey assistant is great at handling players and is a clever strategist who several teams think highly of. Has helped Byron Scott lead the Nets to back-to-back Finals.

Jeff Van Gundy: Resigned as coach of the New York Knicks after 19 games in the 2001-02 season, the TNT commentator is a clever strategist and an excellent teacher.

Mike Fratello: The TNT commentator and former Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks coach got the most out of his talent; his teams controlled tempo and were solid defensively.

Paul Silas: Fired by the New Orleans Hornets after this year's first-round playoff exit, he is well-respected. His players like him, and he is quick to adapt his style to his personnel.

Jim Cleamons: The Los Angeles Lakers' top assistant is ready for another top job (coached Dallas in 1996). He understands the triangle offense and knows how to handle egos.

Lenny Wilkens: At 65 has more wins (and losses) in NBA history than any coach and still commands respect, even though he was fired after the season by the Toronto Raptors.

Mike Dunleavy: Led the Lakers to NBA Finals in 1991 and Portland to four consecutive winning seasons; out of coaching since being fired by the Blazers after the 2000-01 season.