On Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers said good riddance to head coach Doc Rivers.
The NBA team was eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals for a third straight season after losing to the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
Sources told ESPN a few names have come up for the vacant position, including Mike Budenholzer, Sam Cassell, Mike D’Antoni, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, and Monty Williams.
Rivers accomplished a 154-82 (.653) record during his three-season reign, including 54 victories in 2022-23 — the franchise’s most since 2000-01.
“Doc is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, a future Hall of Famer, and someone I respect immensely,” 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a statement. “We’re grateful for all he did in his three seasons here and thank him for the important impact he made on our franchise. 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.”
The Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons also have head coach openings.
Rivers delivered his 16th straight winning season as a head coach but lost for the 10th time in a Game 7. The team’s loss also marked the ninth consecutive time Rivers lost with a chance to reach the conference finals.
The team is now left to replace Rivers and also navigate James Harden’s impending free agency.
After Sunday’s loss, Harden was asked about his relationship with Rivers and whether he believed the coach should return for a fourth season.
In response, Harden simply said, “Our relationship is OK.”
Harden has a player option for the upcoming season worth $35.6 million after taking a pay cut last year to help facilitate Philadelphia signing former Rockets teammates P.J. Tucker and Danuel House.
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