Posted: Monday, May 11, 2009, 11:25 AM | 32 comments |
 

DiLeo won't return as coach
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UPDATED: Tony DiLeo will not return as Sixers coach and he will return to the front office as senior vice president/assistant general manager the team announced today after a meeting between DiLeo and 76ers president/general manager Ed Stefanski.

“Tony and I had a meeting scheduled for this afternoon, during which time he informed me of his decision that he would not return as head coach next season,” Stefanski said in a statement. “I want to thank Tony for the commendable job he did this season under some unique and difficult circumstances, including leading us to the playoffs.”

DiLeo was named coach on Dec. 13 and he led the Sixers to a 32-27 (.542) record and the No. 6 seed in the playoffs. The Sixers weer eliminated in six games by Orlando. 

From earlier:

Stefanski and DiLeo had agreed after the Sixers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Orlando Magic to allow for a week or so of a cooling-down period before they opened discussions about the future. A source familiar with the situation indicated that Stefanski and DiLeo might not reach specific decisions today, but might rather meet again in the near future.

The source indicated that the two parties would also spend time today planning for next season, facing such issues as free agency and the draft.

DiLeo was 32-27 as the coaching replacement for the fired Maurice Cheeks, stepping in from his front office position as senior vice-president/assistant general manager. He was not, however, given a separate contract to coach; Stefanski has said that, if DiLeo were not to remain the coach, he would be welcome to resume his front office duties.

Despite various rumors, Stefanski insisted he had made no contact with any potential coaching candidates.
Posted by Phil Jasner @ 11:25 AM  Permalink | 32 comments
32
Comments   
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:57 AM, 05/11/2009
    I don't think Tony wants to coach again. After that last loss, who would?? Yo Ed, hire me. I can do it for cheap. I don't even need 6 figures.... a high-5 is good enough.
    — XmarksTheSpot
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:18 PM, 05/11/2009
    Ih, out, want him or not, we'll know when we know!!!
    — FireChief
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:19 PM, 05/11/2009
    Should bring DiLeo back as a scout. Get rid of Dalembert, Green, Williams, Rush and pick between Thad Young and Iguodala - they're the same wing player with 'athleticism.' Sign Andre Miller, and try to lure Van Gundy. Some players claimed Mo Cheeks and DiLeo weren't stern enough for them, well Van Gundy would bring it and then some. Too bad I doubt he'd even want to come here.
    — robkaos
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:44 PM, 05/11/2009
    The Sixers have to change coaches. This doesn't really involve if Tony DiLeo is a good coach or not. After the game six debacle against Orlando, they are going to have a very difficult job in selling season tickets. Why would anyone throw their hard earned money into tickets for this team? They need to stir up a buzz and Doug Collins or someone with a name would do that. If DiLeo stays, it would be a shock. As far as the roster goes, they are in a ton of trouble. Dalembert and Iggy's contracts make them untradeable. If Miller leaves, they have no point guard and they don't have a decent shooting guard regardless. This is a team in real trouble and is on its way to a 25-30 win season. I see no reason for optimism.
    — syddan26
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:17 PM, 05/11/2009
    REALLY WHERE DO THIS TEAM GO FROM HERE? I LIKE THAT CHOICE OF JOHNSON OR VAN GUNDY JUST GIVE THEM SOMEONE TO WORK WITH. TURN IT BACK OVER TO PAT CROCE. WELL WHATEVER THEY DO IT HAS TO WORK FAST BECAUSE PHILLY FANS WILL NOT WAIT 5 YEARS FOR A TURN AROUND.
    — JBA
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:23 PM, 05/11/2009
    Yes, We Need Croce back in town.
    — GrownMan86
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:23 PM, 05/11/2009
    There are so many problems with the Sixers, and it's difficult even to begin the task of sifting through the rubble and rebuilding. Why would an accomplished coach want to come into this situation? Internal turmoil, no point guard, no starting caliber shooting guard, two 3's, an overpaid, oft-injured star power forward who doesn't fit into the current offensive philosophy of the team, and a center who can't play whatsoever, and no money to spend because they gave ALL to an above average small foward who can't shoot. If I were Doug Collins or Avery Johnson, I would pass and wait until Phil Jackson retires.
    — JustABitOutside
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:26 PM, 05/11/2009
    Stiffanski burned this team big time with the contracts to Willie, Sammy, and Andre. This'll take years to mop up. New coach can't improve a roster with only .500 talent and big untradeable contracts ...
    — Grazman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:27 PM, 05/11/2009
    Didn't Van Gundy already turn the 76ers down a few years back?
    — heaterman


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About Bob Cooney
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.

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