The Philadelphia 76ers, looking to right the ship after yet another second-round exit, are in the midst of a search for a new head coach. The latest news on the coaching front comes from NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark, who reported that the Sixers interviewed the former Lakers head coach and New Jersey native Tuesday, May 23.
Vogel boasts 21 total years of coaching experience, including a season as an assistant with the Sixers during the 2004-2005 season. His first taste as a head coach came with the Indiana Pacers as he was promoted after the team dismissed Jim O’Brien. In Indiana, Vogel took the Pacers to four straight playoff appearances (five total), including two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals where, in both seasons, they were ousted by the Big 3-led Miami Heat teams. After Indiana, Vogel made a stop in Orlando to coach the Magic for two seasons before leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship during the 2019-20 bubble season.
The Sixers are doing their due diligence and will meet with as many coaching candidates as it takes in order to feel comfortable about their decision. Yahoo’s Jake Fischer also confirmed today that the team’s search committee, led by Daryl Morey and Elton Brand and stated that it is too early in the process to peg a favorite for the position. Fischer also mentioned Vogel as a potential assistant for the Boston Celtics, another team Vogel has previously coached for.
It does not appear the Sixers’ head coaching search will be ending in the immediate future, but for now, the team has been confirmed to have interviews either completed and/or scheduled with both Vogel and former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse, the team has shown a preference for championship pedigree in their coaching candidates. Considering that, it seems only a matter of time before former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer is scheduled for an interview with the Sixers.
