The Situation
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The Situation
Maybe now enough time has passed to assess the 76ers coaching situation without the emotional, knee-jerk reaction stemming from that, um, embarrassing end-of-season loss.
I'm as guilty as anyone. Right after that, and with all the drama revealed, it was difficult to see clearly through all the words and counter-words. But it's been almost a week. So let's take a look at the options, the thought process, what might happen. Basically, what I'm saying is this blog is speculation, mixed with a little information. A "little" information because that's all that's out there right now. So take it as such.
Going into the playoff series with the Orlando Magic, and even throughout it, all information, discussion, etc. was pointing towards Tony DiLeo returning this season as the Sixers coach. Throughout the series, DiLeo had his guys executing a very smart defensive game plan against the Magic. Look at the first game against the Boston Celtics the other night ... Yes, Boston is depleted, but that was impressive by Orlando, building that huge lead. But what kind of miscalculations did DiLeo make that led to the Game 6 disaster. Did his belief he didn't need to remind his team to stay focused affect the outcome? Could/Should one game -- albeit an awful, awful game -- impact this decision that much?
Did/Does DiLeo deserve to be retained? This question is littered with X-factors. By the numbers, DiLeo had an above-.500 record (32-27 ... is my math right?) with a team that, before he took over, was 9-14. But then we have the X-Factor: Elton Brand. Was the team's struggle to incorporate him what dragged Cheeks down? Did his injury allow DiLeo to have a better record because he didn't go through figuring out how to win with Brand? Or was Brand's injury -- as Ed Stefanski and Tony DiLeo have suggested -- a blow to the Sixers (and DiLeo's) effectiveness? We just don't know the answer to this question. And because we don't, it's hard to judge DiLeo's effectiveness as coach.
But let's look at the pros and cons for DiLeo. First, because the glass is half full, the pros.
1.) By bringing DiLeo back, you're 100 percent avoiding any in-fighting between coach and management. You're guaranteed to have the energy focused on the vision that DiLeo and Stefanski have -- because they have the same vision. If you believe in that vision, then bringing in an outside guy is quite risky. No matter how detailed the discussion is beforehand, you're risking that halfway through a season, the new coach has developed a different vision. DiLeo is known league-wide as a smart, high basketball IQ guy. And I agree with that assessment. How important is it to have a unified vision? Is it more important than having some new blood who will challenge the thought process? I honestly don't know.
2.) DiLeo did well. Now that we can step back from the 25-point loss. You can't argue that DiLeo had this team playing well, but was it often enough? Like we said, how much of that was caused by circumstances Cheeks wasn't given, we won't know. But the team was 40-35 at one point. There was that 14-4 record before the All-Star break. There were glimpses that the team was advancing.
3.) It's safe. That's not what Sixers fans necessarily want to hear, because it seems imperative to get this thing going in the right direction, right now. But let's look at the alternative: signing someone to a significant, lengthy contract (because goodness you can't go with a 1-year deal at this point). That's a risk of time and money, and money and length doesn't guarantee this guy will do anything more than DiLeo has done.
4.) DiLeo didn't have an entire season as his. Don't underestimate how important it is to go through a training camp with the team. When DiLeo came in he was running another guy's offense and defense. He was picking up midstream with another guy's ideas.
So, with DiLeo, you're getting a solid coach, guaranteed drama-free, little risk, but still with upside because we don't know his vision/touch for integrating Elton Brand.
And now, the cons.
1.) No splash. I don't think it's a stretch to say that the Sixers are currently the 4th most popular franchise in the city right now. They did nothing to inspire excitement going into the offseason, nothing to spark ticket sales. Sticking with DiLeo would continue that trend. The franchise would continue to fly under the radar, with people thinking they were headed for a carbon copy of this past season. You sign someone with a high profile, you make a splash, spark some interest, make it clear you have your long-term guy. That gets people talking, but you've also put yourself on the ledge there. The Elton Brand signing got people talking, sparking interest. It didn't resonate the way it might have.
2.) The players don't seem sold on DiLeo. We know what Theo Ratliff said right after the loss. That was a blow to DiLeo. In speaking with the rest of the team, and with those around the team, the vibe is two-fold. There are those that said all the right things -- that DiLeo should be brought back, he did a good job, etc. -- but there were others, like Iguodala, who seemed less than effusive in their praise. But take all this with a grain of salt. The mentality of NBA players doesn't always seem conducive to accepting blame, but it can often be conducive to distributing blame. How much of that played a part in dumping on DiLeo that night and, slightly, the next day? Ratliff wasn't the only guy questioning hether DiLeo was the right guy, he was just the only one who did it on the record.
3.) These guys need a take-no-prisoners type of coach ... that's what I've heard. Can DiLeo be that kind of coach? We aren't allowed to watch the heart of practice, so who knows what he is saying to guys. Who knows what he is demanding, what mistakes he won't allow. Ratliff said he was lenient, and in watching many of the games, that seems to be a justified position. But the NBA isn't like coaching in college, you can create more problems than you solve by ruling with an iron fist. But how much of an impact did DiLeo's background have on the players? He came from the front office, he hadn't been a head coach for two decades, and that was in another country. It's not hard to see how the players might have scoffed at his authority from the second he stepped into the role. Can DiLeo overcome that? Or must Stefanski bring someone in with the authority from Day 1?
So what's happening right now? The Sixers are saying nothing is happening yet. And after many calls around the league, to agents, coaches, etc. that seems to be the case. The first thing to happen will be Stefanski and DiLeo sitting down and deciding. That does not seem to have happened yet. It seems both sides have taken a few days to step away. If, when that does happen, the decision is to move DiLeo back to the front office and begin a coaching search, the speculation will begin in earnest. Until then, the speculation will just be luke warm. But here it is. Some names, rumors, reasons for speculation, etc. Remember, this is speculation.
1.) Eddie Jordan, formerly the Washington Wizards coach. He worked with Stefanski while Stefanski was in New Jersey. Thus the connection. Jordan's name has been mentioned for this spot, as well as the Sacramento Kings job.
2.) Jay Wright, coach of Villanova. You couldn't make a bigger splash than hiring Jay Wright from an in-town university fresh off a Final Four appearance.
3.) Doug Collins. The Chicago connection (think, Iguodala), and his reputation as a hard-nosed coach, makes him a top choice.
4.) Avery Johnson. We've heard this name many times.
5.) Jeff Van Gundy. You can't do much better in terms of discipline, focus.
Like we said, it's impossible to nail down candidates because right now the job is still DiLeo's and former NBA coaches, heck all coaches, refuse to step on the toes of a fellow coach -- it's like crossing the picket line.
Soon we'll know more.
--Kate
You say that keeping Dileo might be easier because him and Ed share the same vision. Yet, you then say, "When DiLeo came in he was running another guy's offense and defense. He was picking up midstream with another guy's ideas. So, with DiLeo, you're getting a solid coach, guaranteed drama-free, little risk, but still with upside because we don't know his vision/touch for integrating Elton Brand." This is confusing because isn't Ed dictating the Sixers style of play. Frankly, I don't understand why our style of play is so important. It hasn't produced success. So, why stick to it?— WestPhillyKong- kate: on balance, it seems this team needs a new coaching staff. despite the pros (many of which you pointed out), when it counted most this team seemed lost (after clinching the playoff birth than coasting, giving up home court advantage to the magic, game 6...). yes, dileo overall provided stability and guided them through some nice stretches but in crunch time there were too many breakdowns. not all of it is his fault, as the players just didn't/couldn't produce and after brand and the late season injury to young, the team was weakened. as westphillykong phrased it, this vision hasn't produced results (deep playoff runs)-in large measure due to the players but as we've discussed all season, many of their schemes & strategies seemed doomed to failure. sharing a vision is important but if the vision is flawed (personnel and style), it is important to have some blending of views.— 127sixer59
Kate...Good analysis there. I would say that the Cons outweigh the Pros and the very fact that this is a very young team, you need to have a "Glue" coach. Of the choices that you have listed I think Jay Wright is the most interesting, however, I can't see Villanova letting the Sixers take him away. Doug Collins and Van Gundy would be 2 and 3 on my list.- Jeff Van Gundy would be amazing. Jay Wright would just be another Mo Cheeks. Jeff Van Gundy would really create a buzz and interest in this franchise.— brmorgen81
- The franchise has been dead since Iverson left. Elton Brand was supposed to make that splash to get everyone excited but once he started off slow he started to look like another Chris Webber. They either need an exciting signing by a coach or a major 3pt shooter that wont be a defensive liability. Im more concerned with the fact that if Iguodala cant develop into an effective two guard, the sixers will eventually need to choose whether he or Thaddeus young is the face of the franchise long term.— MTust24
- So we keep a coach who has no NBA experience, was called out by the veterans for not holding players accountable and who had a worst winning percentage than the guy he replaced because he's a company man?— elbobbo
- I love Jay wright and what he's done at Nova. However, I am not so sure the the pro game is built for him and his methodolody. I also think he likes working with "kids" as opposed to money hungry pros.— SpottyBalls
- I don't think Dileo is a bad coach, but I'm not sure he got as much out of the team as he could have. This is a hard thing to judge since the team is so dependent on young players who's play isn't consistent. I think there should have been more of an emphasis on teaching and enhancing specific skills to develop the players and on running specific plays that enhance their scoring. It seems to be a theme that Tony isn't a strong personality coach, and this team probably needs that. The team was too inconsistent on offense and had too many lapses to be considered a disciplined team, even when Miller was running it. In fairness to Tony, there was no man to pass to in the post, so the Sixers never got to see their vision work. Tony might better help the team upstairs as they are going to have to find a few more pieces to make a real contender.— ricky
- Elton was not a bad signing. Igs didn't prepare himself to play 2-guard. Hopefully, he's already made 3000 jumpshots of curls and screens since the game 6 debacle. As for our coaching, Dileo pros really seem to duplicate what CHeeks did last year. I mean they were down bad early last year and turned it around. I can't give Dileo credit for especially since they ended the season even worst than they did last season. Our team was horrible from the line, even worst is meaningful situations. I think that goes directly to the coach and discipline. Dileo can't return. Ratliff, the elder statesman, told us straight. He had nothing to gain from saying that. As someone on the radio said, maybe he was coaching the men same way he coached the women's team. Also, what I never really saw from Dileo that I see from every decent coach was when players would come off the floor he never said anything to them. Usually, when guys get subbed they are often talked to on the way to the bench to either point out mistakes or give encouragement. I don't recall ever seeing this from Dileo. Cheeks did it everytime. We're too young to not have a hands on-coach.— WestPhillyKong
- Ed used this year to better understand this team...Tony allowed him that opportunity and he is deserving of appreciation for jumping in mid-season. Ed now must realize that he needs a top-notch coach to COMMAND THE RESPECT OF THE PLAYERS AND THE FANS! DOUG COLLINS WOULD BE A GREAT CHOICE!— JBP
- Good balanced analysis. Di Leo does deserve some credit for being the first sixers coach with a winning record in years. But even before Ratliff spoke up, i had come to a similar conclusion. Now, i think its an open question whether any coach can instill discipline in Dalembert at this late date in his career. (because, lets be honest, that is a big part of what those comments were getting at) So a possible way of addressing this is just biting the bullet and buying him out. But Lou Williams was also guilty of undisciplined play, and Di Leo's own statments about his coaching style dont seem encouraging that he's likely to lay down the law with anyone. Given Lou's contract, (it is larger than Willie's) we can't let him continue to develop bad habits. Speights needs someone who will push him to get tougher on the boards, as will Smith assuming he comes back healthy. Bottom line that these guys need a tough head coach. Preferably with a defensive mentality, because at that end of the day that's what wins in the playoffs. Avery Johnson might be a good choice. I love Jay Wright & he always manages to make great teams with lesser talent, but he's not leaving Nova(this was discussd last year too, and as far as i know he hasn't changed his mind. If he does, hey, give it a shot). I think i could live with a van Gundy or Collins. No Eddie Johnson...His washington teams were not much defensively, and tended to disappoint based on the level of talent he had to work with. I hope they avoid the temptation to make a splash...I'm more interested in seeing something done right than for the sake of making an impression.— K,M
- why is tom thibodeau never mentioned as a head coaching candidate? he's the architect of some great defenses, and defense imho, is what this team is really lacking.
- i dont think any coach will make a difference until they sort out this roster. wishful thinking here, but trade iguodala and dalembert for tracy mcgrady and a spare part. mcgrady is going into the last year of his deal and probably won't get resigned. i think houston would jump at a young guy like iguodala to put them among the elite teams, since he'd be the third option behind yao and artest. then thad can play the 3, brand the 4, and speights in the middle. i think iguodala has to go after the way he acted after the playoffs and the fact that 2 years in a row, he hasn't been able to get the job done when it counted most.— jazztafari
Sorry, But he did not doing anything different then Cheek. The players started making shoots. Get Avery Johnson and call it a day. Leave Jay Wright at Nova. Jay is a good teacher and will one day win it all at Nova. College coaches to the NBA does not have a great track record.- At this point I don't give a darn if a flying pig coached the team. Not interested.— WhatNow
- DiLeo smells to me of more of the same, Cheeks revisited. We might as well have kept Chris Ford. The reason why DiLeo seems more of the same is that it's the same pattern as last time: it's signing him to a short term deal because there's hesitation and uncertainty about his lack of personality and hard edge. Then it's seeing this team flounder again (as it seems destined to do, especially without Andre Miller) and more questions about the coaching leading to another firing and, finally, the hiring of a flashy coach. I'd rather cut to the chase. My only other idea is that they fire Loyer, who seems like a DiLeo clone, and replace the assistant with a guy the players like. It was clear how much DiLeo delegated to his coaches during games anyway. I do think that Lynam is part of the brains of the outfit, unless he elects to leave the trainwreck behind. What about the other names? I think Collins comes in with too many lofty expecatations he can't meet. Jay Wright is another year or two away so that's a moot point. Avery Johnson might be a fit because his personality might jump-start things next year. I bet Eddie Jordan goes elsewhere. I say no to DiLeo, though it was a smart band-aid at the time.— jimmy76er
- Hey Kate, My preference right now would be Collins(with some young assistants being groomed to take over once he inevitably burns out, like Eric Snow or Aaron McKie). I think Collins would be the best fit because he seems to be the best teacher with pro experience available, and has done a great job developing young wings(Jordan, Grant Hill, Scottie Pippen etc.) He is a defensive-minded coach who is detail-oriented and unafraid to criticize his team when needed.— rswknight
- I don't think that some of the players that gleefully threw DiLeo under the bus as soon as the season ended fully understood what was going on in the organization; much like they didn't understand what was going on during many of the basketball games. DiLeo was sent down by Stefanski to coach, but more importantly to evaluate each and every player going forward. I don't think he and Stefanski will take very long at all to reach a mutual decison about whether he'll coach the team; I wouldn't even be surprised if he declines to coach the team if it's mostly comprised of the players from this past season. But since DiLeo is a member of the front office; they'll be spending many hours discussing the work ethic of the individual players, their attitude and aptitude for the game. Ratliff probably doesn't get that his comments were his retirement speech, and Iguodala doesn't get that his were a ticket out of Philly. Willie Green, Dalembert, Iggy have now played for several coaches and made no significant impact; the day to day work ethic that DiLeo was able to witness firsthand is likely all of the evidence Stefanski needs to make wholesale changes; after all, the only players that were acquired on his watch were Brand and Speights. Maybe they keep Jason Smith and Thaddeus Young around also; other than that go ahead and back up the truck; this club was never going to be more than .500 and an easy 1st round out the way it was constructed.— drbob1
I agree w/ brmorgen81. I always thought Van Gundy was one of the better coaches in the league. Of all the names mentioned, he would be the top choice. But like everybody keeps saying, the real problem is with the player themselves. Just don't think Iggy & Young are a good fit on the same team. If some how, some way they could trade one of them for a true SG, that would improve the team. Brand probably doesn't live up to his contract, but he definitely could be an asset to this team on the blocks. Sweet Lou, needs to hone his skills. Speights is young and has got talent...and as far as Dalembert, he's entering Adam Eaton territory.- Dalembert = Eaton...brilliant! Lou Will needs to put on some muscle, big-time. Willie Green should plain ol' refuse to be the starter if he's back next year. I don't think this team is as bad as everyone thinks. We need two good shooters. One may emerge from the ranks. Yeah, I know we heard that before. We have some talented young players. They need a teaching coach to help develop and mode them. It's really ashame Ed was guilted into re-signing Mo. Yeah, I say guilted because we all knew when Stefanski stepped in and had Mo play the young guys that Mo simply was not a good coach. He was still learning, wet behind the years. Young players and a young coach is a difficult combination to have success with unless you have one or two established team leaders....i.e. Wade in Miami. BTW, once Elton went down I think it was just irresponsible to not move Andre Miller. How successful did you truly believe this team could be? And really what did the players learn from the experience, really?— WestPhillyKong
- I think Collins would be great!! He respected throughout the league and the city...— jthomas40
- Can we trade IGGY and sign FA Ben Gordon as our shooting guard?
Comment removed.- The problem is the coaching staff is left over from Cheeks. You need some fresh bodies in there. A new coach would bring in his own staff. Doug Collins would be a popular choice because he played for the Sixers. He coached and is considered the best analyst on TV. He is very disciplined and would rule this team with an iron hand. The best part is he can talk to the media and that would help attendance.— Drew777
- Will someone tell me why a person (WhatNow) would not only read an article but then post a comment that says they "don't care and are not interested"?— mcat13
- Stefanski has to stop trying to be a fan favorite and start trying to solve the long-term problem that he has only contributed to. Look at what Detroit is doing - they are mortgaging their current 5 or 6 seeds for long-term success. They are clearing tons of space so they can make a run at D-Wade, LeBron, Bosh, Melo, etc. Stop trying to get these 7 seeds - please. It is PAINFULLY OBVIOUS that we are not fooled by these .500 teams that get knocked out in the first round. In teh current NBA, there are TWO options for teams that don't have enough talent to compete. (1) Play your young players a lot. They will make mistakes, you will lose, and you will get in the lottery and the players will develop in the meantime. (2) Clear as much space as you possibly can so you can land a big-time FA (under 26 years of age) that you can build your franchise around. If you have to give up a young player to do so, then you do that. What you don't do is come up with this lame "Come run with us" slogan - which basically tells us that we are not going to work on offensive execution - we are going to try to get out in the open court and get "easy" points because we don't have the talent or coaching to run effective plays.— hugh
- Given the circumstances, the team did better better than my expectations, losing Brand and changing coaches in mid-season. I think it more difficult to instill discipline in mid-season. The team is young, at least the core of the team, keep it together for a year.— scrooge1
- What about Byron Scott? I heard a rumor (I think it was on ESPN radio) that he might be released by the Hornets. Then again, the way they collapsed during the playoffs is even worse than what the Sixers did in game 6.— syracusenats
- Cons of keeping DiLeo. I won't both to go to any games next year after going to 17 this year. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. This is an entertainment, you need to give the people what they want. We want a new coach.— phasor
- COME ON YALL!!!!! AVERY JOHNSON!! WE NEED HIM!! THATS THE RIGHT FIT FOR THIS TEAM!! IF STEFANSKI DON'T KNOW THAT THEN WE'RE RE LIVING BILLY KING!!!!— filly fan
- I think you give him another year. What kind of message does it send players when you continuously hire and fire coaches? It gives them the message that they are in charge of the coach. Keep DiLeo. They should say so unequivocally and move on. This team isn't winning any championship anytime soon anyway.... they need to learn that it's better to not make the playoffs at all than to make it as a 5-8 seed.— nervegenerator
- I think the Sixers would have no chance in getting Jay Wright. I also think it is more important to get some players that can play. That seems to make coaches into geniuses (see Bill Belichek).— Bobphxville
- Tough call. You have to give DiLeo credit making the most of what he had. I simply don't know much about the guy. Maybe if he's given a full off-season and training camp, with a healthy Elton Brand, he can do more with this team. Maybe not. I don't think we need a disciplinarian or a "big name" coach with a big ego, but I do think we need a quality guy that can command respect and grow with this relatively young team. Stability would be nice for a change. I've always loved this team, through the good and bad, and it would be nice to get them back to being a consistent contender. Nothing is better than when the Sixers are flying high. They can create a lot of excitement in the city when they are. I just hope Snyder and Stefanski are as savvy and committed as some of our other successful teams...— esesjay
- Tom Thibedeau(sp?) is the name that never makes this list. I'm not sure he'd be willing to deal with Dalembert on a daily basis, but let somebody new have a chance. He helped the Celtics win a championship last year, and Pierce played D on Kobe all series. Throw money at him and make these guys play the tough grind-it-out defense that made the 2001 Sixers so good!— CallerNo9
- VanGundy would be a great choice and command respect but honestly, is he leaving the broadcast booth where he is equally competent to take over a team that at best might win a round of playoffs?? Seems like Doug Collins would be solid and he seems itching for another coaching job.— buff1
- First of all to the people complaining about not caring, why read the article? Secondly you need a real coach, I don't know what this "vision" is but if it involved hovering around .500 and making the second round at best then we need a new one. We need a coach that can actually coach in-game, and not just change matchups and hope for the best. There is obviously a lack of discipline (e.g. dalembert, s and williams, l) The last game was just a microcosm of his lack of coaching experience in the NBA coming to the surface. Get someone who they listen too. Also the Sammy and Iggy for T-Mac deal might be one of the dumbest moves possible. T-Mac is a headcase, can't stay healthy, and is overrated.— ConverseB24
- Eric Snow and keep the current assistants.— Anguilla Al
- Here's a con: HE STINKS— Captain Awesome
- The way the Sixers finished the season(listlessly after clinching a play-off berth) and that awful performance in game six against the Magic should haved sealed DiLeo's fate. You add that to the complaints of Igoudala and Raitliff and I just don't see him coming back. My Choices. 1)Doug Collins 2)Avery Johnson 3)Eddie Jordan— brannigan73
- It seems a given that if Fast Eddy goes after a new coach, Tony D returns to the front office. Seems like a good arrangement, as you hate to lose talent in that area too, and Tony was doing a very good job in that role I understand. Myself, I like to see a coach with a little fire and brimstone in his countenance when called for. It would be neat to have Dog Collins back to coach....IF Ed wants him that is. We can't have another coach that isn't going to construct a team philosophy different from what the assembled players are best at. It is quite obvious what our team limitations are: 1) We have no legit #1 go-to type player, 2)Not good at all (as a team) outside the 3 point arc. 3)needing a GOOD point guard because Williams will more than likely sign elsewhere.— TBear
- The Sixers need someone who can put together a team and get them playing on the same page. Dileo had no system and there was inconsistency. The regular season means little. It is the playoffs that players want to get to. That is where the money and the glory is. So whatever he did in the regular season as coach is useless.— Horlet
- Let's pretend you could pick any coach in the world - past or present to coach this team - then tell me how much more successful this team would be with this coach?— hugh
- We need Avery Johnson!!!!!!!— filly fan
- Thaddeus Young !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!— eeser
- I mean come on DiLeo is a fraud he was not even coaching the assitants did all the x and o's discipline what a joke if the 6ers bring him back we are doomed.— arocketsa
- No to Tony DiLeo, his substitution pattern is horrible. Brand or No Brand, Kate. There are formulas to winning on the floor. And sticking to a style that's produced as many losses as it has wins for two years in a row is infuriating. We need a coach, a good one. One that actually has a winning record and philosophy. Hiring Doug Collins would be the best move. It was Doug who created the structure that Phil perfected for 6 championships. It is Doug who can again create the structure for Philadelphia's rise to promience. The perfect hire.— Sixers4real
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
