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76ers talk to Doug Collins

On Saturday, the 76ers had their first sit-down interview with a coaching candidate, meeting with Doug Collins at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Doug Collins played for the Sixers from 1973 to 1981. (Kevork Djansezian/AP file photo)
Doug Collins played for the Sixers from 1973 to 1981. (Kevork Djansezian/AP file photo)Read more

On Saturday, the 76ers had their first sit-down interview with a coaching candidate, meeting with Doug Collins at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Ed Stefanski, the team's president and general manager, conducted the interview along with assistant general manager Tony DiLeo and team consultant Gene Shue.

"They said it was a very comfortable meeting," said Collins' agent, John Langel.

Shue coached Collins with the Sixers from 1973 to '77. Collins played for the Sixers from 1973 to 1981. In 1977, the pair went to the NBA Finals, losing to Portland.

Stefanski fired coach Eddie Jordan on April 15, less than 24 hours after Jordan finished his first season with a record of 27-55.

Collins, 58, is working as an analyst for TNT, covering the NBA playoffs.

"We had a very productive meeting with Doug to discuss the position and his philosophies," said Stefanski, whose own job is still in jeopardy. "He is someone who has a proven track record as a head coach and has great knowledge of the game. We appreciate him taking the time to meet with us."

Collins, who last coached in 2003 with Washington, has a lifetime NBA coaching record of 332-287. Before coaching the Wizards, he coached the Chicago Bulls (1986-89) and Detroit Pistons (1995-98).

"We will continue our due diligence on all the candidates as we continue to narrow our search for a new head coach," Stefanski said.

The next candidate slated for interview is former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, whom Stefanski will meet with Monday afternoon.

During last season's coaching search, which ended in Jordan's hiring, Collins expressed interest in the opening but was never officially interviewed.

Langel said Collins "felt good" after the meeting.

"They met for several hours," Langel said. "They talked about everything: basketball, the team, everything."

Langel said the two parties departed with the understanding that they would touch base this week.

Also on Stefanski's list is Dwane Casey, assistant coach with the Mavericks; Tom Thibodeau, assistant coach with the Boston Celtics; and Mike Budenholzer, assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs.

Also reportedly being discussed internally: former New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy, who declined comment via e-mail; former NBA head coach Mike Fratello; former New Orleans Hornets coach Byron Scott; and former Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell.