Odds to Be Next Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach – Atkinson, Jackson and Kidd Favorites
- According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Brett Brown will be fired as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers
- Former NBA head coaches Kenny Atkinson, Mark Jackson and Jason Kidd are among the top contenders given odds to be Brown’s replacement. Who’s the best bet?
- Analysis of the odds and predictions on the outcome follow in the story below
Evidently, the Philadelphia 76ers have decided that the answer to the question, “What can Brown do for you?” is take a hike.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the firing of Brown after a seven year tenure on Monday afternoon. Brown’s contract runs through the 2021-22 season but he’s been on the hot seat all season long.
Brown hasn’t even been told to clean out his office yet but you can already get odds on who his replacement will be. The usual suspects are on the board, such as former New Jersey Nets coaches Kenny Atkinson and Jason Kidd, as well as ex-Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson.
Odds on Philadelphia 76ers Coach For 2020-21 NBA Season
| Coach | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kenny Atkinson | +500 |
| Sam Cassell | +600 |
| Jay Wright | +800 |
| Mark Jackson | +950 |
| Dave Joerger | 950 |
| Jason Kidd | +950 |
| Becky Hammon | +1200 |
| Ime Udoka | +1800 |
| Stephen Silas | +1800 |
| Jerry Stackhouse | +1800 |
| Wes Unseld Jr | +1800 |
| Jacque Vaughn | +1800 |
| David Fizdale | +2000 |
| Lionel Hollins | +2000 |
Odds as of Aug. 24th
Atkinson is the +500 favorite to land the Philly job when it comes open. However, he’s also the +200 chalk to be the next coach of the Chicago Bulls.
As well, Kidd is the +250 second betting choice to be hired by the New Orleans Pelicans.
Nets Gain for 76ers?
Kidd and Atkinson, two of the contenders for Brown’s job if and when he is sent packing, both made a name for themselves coaching the Brooklyn Nets.
Atkinson’s departure from the Nets came earlier this season, though labeled as a mutual decision by both sides, still remains shrouded in mystery. The Nets appeared to be making progress under his tutelage.
Jason Kidd and Phil Handy are doing some extra working with Danny Green and KCP on corner shooting as we waltz into Lakers’ practice today. pic.twitter.com/ElFNBTAbvq
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) August 19, 2020
Kidd guided the Nets from 2013-14 and also departed under weird circumstances. He was basically traded to the Milwaukee Bucks after a power grab in an attempt to gain more say in the management of the team failed.
Currently, Kidd is an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Wright Stuff
On their own staff and right in their own backyard are a couple of intriguing possibilities for the 76ers to consider.
Ime Udoka works as Brown’s assistant and is touted as an NBA head coach in waiting. However, he’s being seriously coveted by the Bulls and might land that job. Besides, the Sixers are unhappy with the team’s culture, so the chances they’ll look within to fix that would seem remote.
"I just love where I am. I'd like to coach in the NBA, I coached last summer w/ Popovich, I'm coaching the Olympics w/ Kerr … but I would have to leave my job. I'm happy at Villanova, I love it & don't want to mess w/ it."@VUCoachJWright on if he's temped to coach in the NBA pic.twitter.com/3qHi64Ysfl
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) March 11, 2020
What about Villanova’s Jay Wright? He’s a two-time national champion at Villanova and winner of a pair of Naismith College Coach of the Year awards (2006, 2016). In 19 seasons at Villanova, he’s led the Wildcats to a 472-182 record.
That being said, after the John Beilein disaster last season in Cleveland, hiring a college coach might not be a priority for any NBA team.
Expect Experience to Rule for 76ers
Philadelphia is clearly dealing with issues. In Embiid and Simmons, they are led by two stars who aren’t shooters.
One of the major problems in Philly was Brown’s lack of leadership and poor communication skills. He didn’t confront players directly when he had a concern regarding their performance. He wasn’t adept at outlining clearly-defined roles for the members of his team.
Sixers are expected to let go
Brett Brown, according to @ShamsCharaniaCandidates according to Shams
Jay Wright
Ty Lue
76ers assistant Ime Udoka
Kings coach Dave Joerger pic.twitter.com/8aAoP2xiI7— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 24, 2020
That being the case, experimenting, thinking outside the box, are probably off the table with this hire. They’ll want someone with experience handling NBA egos, a coach who has a large personality.
Someone like Kidd, for example. Watching him with the Lakers, word in NBA circles is that Kidd has reined in his desire to stage palace coups and has become a team player.
Pick: Jason Kidd (+950)
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
