The Sixers have now confirmed a deal has been agreed to "in principle" with Eddie Jordan.

Here is the quote from Sixers General Manager Ed Stefanski:

"I saw first-hand the immense impact Eddie Jordan had in helping the Nets reach two NBA Finals and as the head coach in Washington, he consistently put his teams in a position to win on a nightly basis," Stefanski said.  "He embodies all the qualities I was looking for in the next head coach of the Sixers and we are very excited to have him in Philadelphia."

An official press conference will be held Monday.

Sources have confirmed that the offer is for 3 yrs. Jordan is currently owed $4 million from the Washington Wizards. If the Sixers' gig pays less, that will off set.

Jordan, formerly the head coach of the Wizards, first interviewed two weeks ago. He finished a second interview in the past few days. On his first interview, Jordan met Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider, a clear sign that he was at the top of the list. In his second interview, sources have confirmed he met with Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko.

Jordan and Sixers General Manager Ed Stefanski worked together for four seasons at the New Jersey Nets. And one source close to the situation indicated that Stefanski's past history with Jordan -- his level of comfort with him -- played a factor in Stefanski's decision. During those seasons in New Jersey, the Nets went to back-to-back NBA Finals.

Here's the breakdown on Jordan: His career coaching record is 230-288. He's 54 years old. He coached the Sacramento Kings in 1997-98 before being fired just before they completed the rebuilding process. Then he went to New Jersey as an assistant. He was in Washington for 5 full seasons and 11 games of this past season. After starting this season 1-10, Jordan and assistant coach Mike O'Koren were fired. The Wizards had major injuries this season, clearly playing a factor in that poor start. In 4 of the 5 seasons in Washington, the Wizards made the playoffs.

Some logistics remain unclear: The details of the offered contract, the length, money, etc. What is clear is that coaching the 76ers was the top option for Jordan, who also interviewed for the Sacramento Kings vacancy. Jordan was born in Washington, D.C. and played his college ball at Rutgers University.

We've talked a little about Jordan and what he brings to the table, but here it is: Jordan runs the Princeton Offense, which he learned while in Sacramento working with Pete Carril, famed coach of Princeton. The offense is predicated on reading and reacting to the defense, based on backdoor cuts, and based on ball movement and cutting. Because of the Wizards up-tempo pace during Jordan's 5-plus seasons there, he got a rap as a poor defensive coach. One source has indicated that rap is bogus and that Jordan adapted to the players he had in Washington, players that needed to get up and down and shoot quickly.

A big problem for the Sixers, as we all know, is the pending issue of effectively incoporating power forward Elton Brand into the offensive sets. This past season the offense seemed out of sync. In talking with those understanding Jordan's style, he seems like he has some ideas about how to tackle this issue.

Ok, we're in the very early stages of understanding Jordan and what he might bring to the table, but it seems only fair to point out that his career record took quite a hit in Sacramento when he was made head coach at a time when they were finishing the rebuilding process. He was removed as head coach right when they were poised to improve.

Thus concludes a length, secretive search. Stefanski has commented only once, in a press release. Spectulation swirled that the entire 6-candidate, 18-day process was just a smoke screen to hire Jordan, but Stefanski appeared dedicated to his "due diligence," even saying he would "reach out" to guys like Jeff Van Gundy and Doug Collins.

In the end, though, it came back to Jordan, as many expected it might.

--Kate

Poll: Is Eddie Jordan the right choice? (2256 votes)

The 76ers coaching search, now more than 2 weeks old, has been steadily expanding, contracting, then expanding again: Today was no exception.

76ers General Manager Ed Stefanski will be traveling to the 2009 NBA Draft Combine, to be held tomorrow and Friday in Chicago. The Sixers have said that Stefanski will continue conducting the coaching search from Chicago and that there is still no timetable for when Stefanski will hire a coach.

It has been confirmed that the Sixers have removed Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis from consideration. Also confirmed is that the Sixers reached out to Avery Johnson, but that it appears the situation does not suit either party, at this time. Next on the list seems to be Jeff Van Gundy, former coach of the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets who is currently working for ESPN. Nothing more than preliminary steps have been confirmed with Van Gundy, who responded to an e-mail requesting comment late last night saying, "I don't believe it's right for me to talk about jobs."

So right now, there are four confirmed candidates still in consideration: Eddie Jordan, Dwane Casey, Tom Thibodeau, and Chris Ford. Out of the running: Jay Wright, Kurt Rambis, and Avery Johnson. Stefanski has said he will be reaching out to more candidates.

More later,

--Kate

Since it's still early in the day for definite news about the 76ers coaching search, here's this news, which just passed through my e-mail: In an Oct. 18 preseason game, the Sixers will play the Phoenix Suns in Monterrey, Mexico.

This game will be the NBA's second game held in Monterrey -- at Arena Monterrey -- and the 18th game in Mexico, the most held in any country outside the U.S. and Canada. The game is being called NBA Mexico Game 2009 and tickets will go on sale June 1 at www.arenamonterrey.com.

“We're thrilled about the opportunity to bring some of the NBA's most exciting teams and accomplished players to Monterrey," said NBA Senior Vice President of International Development and Partnerships Emilio Collins, in a press release. "Our fans in Mexico are some of the most passionate in the world, and this year's NBA Mexico Game is sure to provide them with an unforgettable NBA experience.”

Hopefully there will be news on the coaching search soon,

--Kate

The Sixers and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced this morning that they have completed six interviews for their vacant head coaching position. Until this release, the number was thought to be four: Eddie Jordan, Dwane Casey, Kurt Rambis, and Tom Thibodeau.

That makes the question: Who were the two candidates interviewed that weren't known? A source has confirmed that one was internal candidate Chris Ford, who has been the head coach of the Boston Celtics as well as a short stint with the Sixers. The second was Jay Wright, currently coaching the Villanova Wildcats. Villanova PR has confirmed that Stefanski reached out to Wright and that Wright said he is not interested in moving from Villanova to the Wachovia Center. A press release is expected confirming that Wright will remain at Villanova.

Here are Wright's comments: 

“Last week, Ed reached out to me to see if I would be willing to speak to him about the Sixers’ coaching position,” stated Wright. “He is a longtime friend of mine whom I have great respect for and is someone I talk to often. We had a lively conversation about the vision Ed has for the Sixers organization. As a lifelong Sixers fan, I was honored to be part of the process.

“Following our meeting, I called Ed to thank him and requested that he remove me from consideration. I love Villanova and it is where I want to be. I am grateful to the Sixers for including me in the process. There is a lot to look forward to for Sixer fans like me with the young talent they have put together and the leadership of Ed Stefanski.”

In the release, Stefanski said the following: 

"In the past week, I have completed interviews with six candidates, all of whom are exceptionally qualified, have an impressive knowledge of the game and are very well-respected within the basketball community.

"I truly appreciate that they took time out of their schedules to meet with me regarding this position. Along with my staff, we will continue our due diligence – including further interviews, extensive research and in-depth background checks – before a final selection is made.

"As I have said before, the qualities I am looking for in our next head coach include excellent communication and leadership skills, will stress the importance of accountability while also developing our players and will be a strong tactician.

"As such, due to the number of candidates still involved in the process, there is no timetable set for when this very important decision regarding the future direction of the franchise will be made."

--Kate

Poll: Would Jay Wright do a good job in the NBA? (923 votes)

The 76ers have just confirmed that 76ers General Manager Ed Stefanski interviewed Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis for the team's head coaching vacancy.

It is reported that the interview took place yesterday in Los Angeles. Today's interview with Dwane Casey also took place in L.A.

Rambis played in the NBA with the Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Phoenix Suns. His only stint as a head coach came during the strike-shortened 1998-99 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Rambis finished that season 24-13 as the team's head coach. Rambis has also served as the Lakers assistant general manager.

--Kate

Dwane Casey, currently an assistant coach under Rick Carlisle for the Dallas Mavericks, confirmed via e-mail that he met today with 76ers General Manager Ed Stefanski.

The Sixers said they have no comment.

Casey said "I have met with Ed and the meeting went well."

Casey is the Sixers second confirmed interview -- Eddie Jordan interviewed last Friday. Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau is also a confirmed candidate, although it is unknown when he will interview.

Casey, 52, spent 11 years as an assistant coach with the Seattle Supersonics and then 1 1/2 seasons as the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Casey finished his tenure with Minnesota with a 53-69 record. He coached all of the 2005-06 season and 40 games of the 2006-07 season before being fired.

Casey played at the University of Kentucky and spent 5 years coaching in Japan.

--Kate

The 76ers have confirmed they will interview both Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau and Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey.

It is unclear, as of yet, when the interviews will take place.

Casey spent 11 seasons as an assistant with the Seattle Supersonics. He was a head coach for 1 1/2 seasons, coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2005-06 season and part of the 2006-07 season. His overall record in Minnesota was 53-69.

Boston General Manager Danny Ainge confirmed that Sixers General Manager Ed Stefanski called last week asking permission to speak with Thibodeau. The Celtics granted permission and now that Boston has been eliminated from the playoffs, the Sixers will be able to move forward with the interview process.

Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said he put a call into Stefanski to see where he could help. The sentiment from Ainge and Rivers is that Thibodeau is "an excellent coach who just needs an opportunity." Thibodeau has worked both seasons in Boston under 1-year contracts.

Calls to Thibodeau were not immediately returned. The Sixers declined comment

Thibodeau just completed his second season as an assistant with the Boston Celtics and has spent 19 seasons in the NBA, but none as a head coach. Thibodeau spent the 1993-94 season with the Sixers, working with then head coach John Lucas. He went on to work with Jeff Van Gundy in New York and Houston.

Thibodeau is considered one of the best defensive coaches in the league. In his 19 seasons, his teams have finished in the Top 10 defensively 15 times.

--Kate

A source has confirmed that the 76ers will officially interview Eddie Jordan on Friday of this week.

Poll: Would Eddie Jordan be a good choice? (788 votes)