The inevitable happened on Monday when the Philadelphia 76ers parted ways with head coach Brett Brown. He was fired a day after his team was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. With that, here are five potential replacements to replace Brown:
5. Jay Wright
Villanova Wildcats coach Jay Wright has had his name floated around the Sixers for years. Originally from Chruchville, Pennsylvania, Wright is a proven winner. He is a two-time NCAA Champion, and has a reputation for getting the most out of his players. However, it would take a lot to pry the former Coach of the Year away from the college ranks. Therefore, Wright is the least likeliest of all candidates.
4. Ime Udoka
Udoka is has been the bright spot on the Sixers bench this season. He is knowledgeable and already familiar with the roster. It may be a smart idea to go with a familiar voice that gives a new message. Another benefit is that he was groomed under the tutelage of the all-time great Gregg Popovich as a player and assistant. However, that was the same narrative with Brown, which didn’t result in success.
3. Dave Joerger
Joerger comes with experience on every level of the sport. He has been an assistant and a head coach. His last stint in Sacramento, while short on wins, showed he can be an innovative offensive mind. One can only imagine how he would do with a more talented roster with proven commodities such as Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
2. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd has had modest success as a head coach. He has led two different franchises to the playoffs in his short time on the sidelines. He currently sits as an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers, and there is no sign that he will take over the reigns there anytime soon. Kidd wants to lead another team, and Philadelphia as presently constructed would be the most talented team he has ever been given.
1. Tyronn Lue
Tyronn Lue is head and shoulders above everyone else as the favorite to land the position. He is a champion as a head coach and player, which is more than anyone on this list can say. His merit can be debated, but his hardware cannot. He is also not a stranger to big personalities. If anyone can handle the star power in Philadelphia, it’s Lue.
