Tony DiLeo won't be coaching the 76ers next season. He removed his name from consideration to coach the 2009-10 Sixers.
DiLeo will return to his previous job within the organization as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager.
“Tony and I had a meeting scheduled for this afternoon, during which time he informed me of his decision that he would not return as head coach next season,” said General Manager Ed Stefanski said. “I want to thank Tony for the commendable job he did this season under some unique and difficult circumstances, including leading us to the playoffs.”
DiLeo became the 22nd head guy for the 76ers last December when he replaced Mo Cheeks at the team's helm.
The job was DiLeo's first NBA head coaching job and the first real head coaching job he ever had on a major level.
At times his inexperience really showed -- especially in the playoffs. He was accused of doing a poor coaching job by center Theo Ratliff after the Sixers failed to advance out of the first round against the Orlando Magic.
DiLeo was also bashed for his lack of in-game decision making and personnel choices.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Despite everything DiLeo was a winner. The Sixers went 34-31 (including playoffs) under DiLeo.
With DiLeo back in the front office the Sixers plan on burning ahead in their search for a new leader, according to Stefanski. Expect plenty of the usual suspects to make it onto the Sixers radar.
