Casey, Thibodeau next for Stefanski

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