Television analyst Doug Collins, one of two heavy favorites to fill the Detroit Pistons' sudden coaching vacancy, has withdrawn from consideration for the job.
Collins told ESPN.com on Wednesday night that he called Joe Dumars to thank the Pistons president for considering him and to inform him of his preference to stay in television. That would appear to leave an unobstructed path to the job for ex-Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, who just completed his first season in TV as an analyst for ESPN.
Sources close to the situation told ESPN that Johnson had his first substantive discussion with Dumars about the position earlier Wednesday.
Dumars announced on the team's Web site that he hopes to have a new coach in place early next week after firing Michael Curry on Tuesday, mere hours before the start of free agency.
"My goal is to have a head coach in place by the time we go out to Las Vegas," Dumars said in a video posted on the team's Web site. The NBA Summer League runs July 10-19.
The new coach will inherit a different roster than the one Curry had. On Wednesday, the Pistons agreed to terms with guard Ben Gordon and forward Charlie Villanueva, sources told ESPN.com.
Dumars announced Curry's dismissal Tuesday. The first-year coach led the Pistons to a 39-43 regular-season record and a four-straight-game loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round of the NBA playoffs.
In the video, Dumars said Detroit needs a more experienced coach as it moves to integrate new players with remaining veterans.
"We think it's best to move forward with a more experienced coach to get us through these times right now," Dumars said. "We're going through a transition now where we're bringing back some of the veterans, we're implementing some of the younger guys.
"That's probably a little bit too much for a first-time head coach. ... It's a little bit unfair of me to put him in that situation."
Dumars and Curry played together at Detroit, but that wasn't enough to save Curry's job after he led the team to a losing regular-season record and four lopsided playoff losses to the Cavaliers after six straight Eastern Conference finals appearances.
Deeetroit Baaasketball!!!
Posts: 287 | Location: Lansing, MI | Registered: June 28, 2005
Yay! I love Doug Collins, but I think Avery's going to whip us back into a defense force.
Besides, is there any better way to spend a Thursday evening besides watching Doug Collins & Marv Albert call a game, with EJ, Kenny & Charles around 2 keep things lively?
"Count that baby and a Foul" "Detroit, you believed in this team
and they have delivered a third NBA World Championship to the Motor City" -- Anonymous Radio Announcer
Posts: 174 | Location: 4 Championship Drive, Auburn Hills MI | Registered: July 19, 2005
The only scary thing now is that if Avery declines where the hell do we go from there? Please, please dont tell me Laimbeer. I feel he may be worse than Curry. Wait, no he wouldn't.
Posts: 218 | Location: Kalamazoo/Detroit | Registered: January 07, 2009
I am actually a little exciting about Avery coaching next season, I only hope he gets laimbeer on the bench with him.
I honestly think Laimbeer would be a huge benefit for interior defensive mindness, rebounding and low post fundamentals & footwork. (which I felt we've been missing for sometime now)
Posts: 35 | Location: Ohio | Registered: November 15, 2008
I didnt want Doug anyway - so glad to hear this. I agree with most that Avery is the man for the job! I love his intensity and he's experienced. He still has yet to win a ring as a coach which will motivate him as well. we need the "D" back in Detroit so he's the only one I feel that will focus on that as well! LETS GET EM!
Posts: 719 | Location: Las Vegas, NV | Registered: May 11, 2003
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