Well, that was quick: just three days after he parted ways with the L.A. Clippers after seven seasons, Doc Rivers has a new gig. ESPN reports that Rivers has signed a five-year deal to coach the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rivers reportedly met with Sixers GM Elton Brand and owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer on Wednesday to discuss the head coaching job. He will take over for Brett Brown, who was fired after the Sixers were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round. Brown held the job in Philadelphia for seven seasons.
ESPN also reports that Alvin Gentry, who was let go as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans after five seasons in August, is a “serious possibility” to join Rivers’s staff.
76ers star Joel Embiid took to Twitter on Thursday to welcome Rivers to Philadelphia, writing, “Welcome to the city of Brotherly Love” and adding that he’s “excited for the future and what we’re building here.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also told reporters on a call on Thursday that he was happy to see Rivers get a new job so quickly. “I’m excited for Doc and for the Sixers,” he said. “He’s a great coach and, as I mentioned the other day, great for the league. So I’m happy that he’s quickly back in the NBA. He’s important for the league and for the rest of the coaches.”
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