http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlb=211&xlc=1049809 Spurs assistant Mike Brown is leaving the team to join the staff of new Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. Brown, who is considered one of the league's more promising young coaches, will be Carlisle's top assistant. Carlisle was named coach of the Pacers on Wednesday, one week after the team fired Isiah Thomas. Carlisle spent the past two seasons coaching Detroit, which fired him in June. "In my short career, it was the toughest decision I've had to make," Brown said. Former Spurs guard Mario Elie is among the candidates the team is considering to replace Brown. Elie worked with the Spurs' staff during training camp last year and organized scrimmages and workout sessions for NBA players in Houston this summer. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has not had a former NBA player on his staff since Paul Pressey left for Orlando after the 1999-2000 season. Popovich hired P.J. Carlesimo as his top assistant last summer. Mike Budenholzer, who has been an assistant for Popovich the past seven years, and director of player development Brett Brown also remain on staff. Mike Brown, 33, replaced Pressey on the Spurs' staff after previously serving as an assistant in Washington and as a scout in Denver. He is credited with helping Stephen Jackson develop into an important contributor during last season's championship run. Golden State coach Eric Musselman unsuccessfully attempted to hire Brown earlier this summer. New Toronto coach Kevin O'Neil also expressed interest this summer in hiring Brown, who closed on a new home in San Antonio two weeks ago. "I was preparing to settle in," Brown said. "Moving up to the No. 1 assistant is a big move for my career, but it's really tough leaving San Antonio. I've enjoyed the heck out of (Spurs chairman) Peter (Holt), Pop, (general manager) R.C. (Buford), the players and the fans. Everyone was great to me." Carlisle first took notice of Brown when visiting the Spurs' training camp three years ago. Brown also has attracted attention through his summer-camp work with Phoenix assistant Tim Grgurich, one of the game's top skill development coaches. "I know Mike will be a tremendous asset to Indiana's program as he was to ours," Buford said. "Hopefully, this will give him another piece of the puzzle as he works toward his career goal."
Hopefully when he is done being an assistant, Van Gundy will be winding down, and he will be looking for a replacement. It would be great to have him on the bench again.
Done deal. Super (assistant coach of Spurs) Mario. http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/6615667 SAN ANTONIO -- The defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs have hired Mario Elie as an assistant coach, the team announced Thursday. Elie was a member of San Antonio's first championship team during the lockout- shortened 1999 season. The 39-year-old former swingman won three titles in his 11-year career, also earning rings with Houston in 1994 and 1995. "We're all very happy to welcome Mario Elie to out staff," Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said in a statement. "He'll once again be an important part of our organization." Elie averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 732 regular season games for Philadelphia, Golden State, Portland, Houston, San Antonio and Phoenix. He signed with the Spurs as a free agent in January of 1999 and remained with the team for two seasons. "I'm extremely excited to join an extraordinary group of players and coaches," Elie said. "The Spurs have a great organization and it is the perfect place for me to start my coaching career."
I am glad for Mario! He wants the job so bad and he wants to stay in Texas too. I hate to have to see his grouchy face again though!!
Just goes to show which organization cares for its former players, and which would rather hire a Knick...
So you're suggesting the Rockets should've hired Mario as head coach? Or did you want him to be the big man coach?
I wish we got him. He could teach our guys a little something about hustle, clutch play, and chemistry.
