Sportingnews: Coaching carousel spins out of control

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Coaching carousel spins out of control
By Sean Deveney -

Tired of that desk job, the fluorescent lighting, the linoleum floors, the 75-cent bags of Fritos that go right for the ol' love handles? Looking for a new, exciting field of employment? Do you know how to draw Xs and Os on a white-erase board? Well, we might have just the spot for you -- the NBA

As the economy slumps, most of the American job market has dried up, but there is one sector that is teeming with opportunity at the moment: the NBA coaching market. That's right, with the resignation of Philadelphia coach Larry Brown and the firing of Washington coach Doug Collins, eight NBA jobs are currently available and as many as 10 possibly is coming open soon. That means more than one-third of the NBA head coaching market is in flux right now. So get your coaching shoes on and start sending out resumes.

Alas, if you are but a humble fan of the NBA, the wide-open coaching market in the league is a source of confusion, not opportunity. The draft is in one month, and the season starts in four. It would be nice to know what mentors are going to land where. That's where we here at the Sporting News come in -- here's our guide to what's available, and who has the best shot (based on conversations and educated guesses from those around the league) of landing in the open positions.

Atlanta Hawks

The possibilities: Mike Dunleavy, Del Harris, Paul Silas, Tubby Smith, Terry Stotts

The scoop: This still is a mystery job, because Atlanta has a new owner, David McDavid, coming in to replace AOL and its henchmen. Chances are, interim Stotts won't hold the job. Dunleavy and Silas are the top candidates to take over, but McDavid was a minority owner of the Mavericks, and could turn to Harris, a Dallas assistant. Tubby Smith would be a longshot, but an interesting choice.

The best guess: Dunleavy

Cleveland Cavaliers

The possibilities: Larry Brown, Paul Silas, Jeff Van Gundy

The scoop: The Cavs seemed set on either Van Gundy or Silas, but the addition of Brown to the pool of available coaches could alter that. Cleveland wants a coach with a proven track record, having given the heave-ho to the likes of Keith Smart (who is, nominally, still a candidate), John Lucas and Randy Wittman. It's probably Van Gundy's job to lose, but Silas would be the better fit, because of his experience with developing young players. If Cleveland somehow misses out on all three, it will be a step back for an organization that took a great leap forward at the draft lottery last week.

The best guess: Silas

Houston Rockets

The possibilities: Larry Brown, Mike Dunleavy, Jeff Van Gundy

The scoop: Dunleavy interviewed for the job Monday, but Van Gundy is, reportedly, the leading candidate. This is another situation where the team will have to step back and take a look at Brown. The Rockets need discipline, a clearer sense of offensive organization and a better overall game plan. The lure of a skilled 7-6 center is pretty strong.

The best guess: Van Gundy

Los Angeles Clippers

The possibilities: Larry Brown, John Calipari, Mike Dunleavy, Dennis Johnson, Lenny Wilkens

The scoop: This is a tough job to sell, because of the youth of the team and the uncertainty of its free agents. But Wilkens is on the market and probably will be passed over for the other open jobs, so he could wind up as the safety valve, assuming he would take the job. Brown owns a home in Southern California, and a low-pressure job like this might be right up his alley.

The best guess: Brown

New Orleans Hornets

The possibilities: Tim Floyd, Mike Fratello, Brian Hill

The scoop: Like Atlanta, this is a mystery job. Fratello has been rumored to be going to New Orleans for six months, but the team has not made its move to bring him in yet. Still, he's probably their guy.

The best guess: Fratello

Philadelphia 76ers

The possibilities: Maurice Cheeks, Mike Dunleavy, Eddie Jordan, Doc Rivers, Paul Silas, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Woodson.

The scoop: Even before Brown's press conference to announce his resignation was finished, word was spreading that the Sixers would bring Cheeks, a former Philadelphia assistant, back as head coach. Cheeks is under contract in Portland, though, and it will be tough to get him back east. The Sixers' problem in selling this job is that it was clear Brown was exasperated by star player Allen Iverson, and every possible candidate will be aware of that potential problem. Van Gundy is a top choice, but, again, would he fare better with Iverson than Brown? The possibility of prying Rivers from Orlando must be tempting, as a reasonably young, former player probably would be the best fit. But how about Jordan, one of the league's top assistants, who is in line to land a head coaching job somewhere, anywhere?

The best guess: Jordan

Toronto Raptors

The possibilities: Kevin O'Neill, Sidney Moncrief, Mike Neal, Mike Woodson, Dwayne Casey

The scoop: The Raptors are interesting because they are working in a completely different coaching galaxy than the other teams searching for coaches. Toronto is looking for the next Eric Musselman, who was an obscure young assistant coach before he was hired by the Warriors. Thus, there is no hurry here, because they're not in danger of losing their candidates to other franchises.

The best guess: O'Neill

Washington Wizards

The scoop: Since Washington does not even have a general manager, it's impossible to get a read on what kind of coach they are seeking. Any speculation is just that -- speculation -- so sit tight on this one.

Sean Deveney is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at sdeveney@Sportingnews.com.