A Josh Harris-owned team needs a new coach.
No, not that one. (HIs deal to purchase the Commanders isn’t officially done yet, after all.)
The Philadelphia 76ers fired Doc Rivers on Tuesday, dismissing the coach two days after a brutal Game 7 exit to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Rivers spent three seasons with Philadelphia and went 154-82 in the regular season, but the team’s lack of postseason success ended up costing him his job.
The 76ers haven’t reached the conference finals since 2001, and this year featured a disappointing end to the season for Philadelphia given the team held a 3-2 lead over Boston before losing two straight games. It was the third straight exit in the second round of the playoffs and second time over that span he lost a series lead and a Game 7. Rivers fell to 6-10 in Game 7s. The 10 defeats are five more than any other NBA coach.
The 76ers had their second-straight 50-win season. Philadelphia has not won an NBA championship since 1983.
“We’re grateful for all he did in his three seasons here and thank him for the important impact he made on our franchise,” team president Daryl Morey said in a statement. “After having the chance to reflect upon our season, we decided that certain changes are necessary to further our goals of competing for a championship.”
According to the outlet, Mike Budenholzer, Sam Cassell, Mike D’Antoni, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel and Monty Williams are all expected to be candidates for the job.
Rivers’ successor will be the 76ers’ fourth coach under Harris. Since Harris bought the team in 2011, the 76ers have employed Doug Collins, Brett Brown and Rivers.
Besides the 76ers, Harris also owns the New Jersey Devils — who also suffered a disappointing playoff exit this season and could be contemplating a coaching change (Lindy Ruff’s contract expires this summer, but has said he hopes to return). Harris has also reached a signed agreement to buy the Commanders from owner Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion, but for that deal to become official, he first must receive approval from the NFL.
This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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