Former Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers has already been contacted by the New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.
The Clippers fired Rivers on Monday after the team blew a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2020 playoffs at Walt Disney World.
The Pelicans fired Alvin Gentry after the seeding games ended, while the Sixers parted ways with Brett Brown following the team's sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the first round of the postseason.
New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers have already reached out to former Clippers head coach Doc Rivers in regards to their head coach openings, sources told @TheUndefeated.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 28, 2020
Doc Rivers has coached the Orlando Magic, Celtics and Clippers in the NBA. He has a regular-season record of 943-681 and a postseason mark of 91-89.
Article Continues BelowIn 2008 with the Celtics, Rivers won the championship over the Los Angeles Lakers thanks to Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo. The Chicago native got back to the Finals with Boston in 2010. However, the Lakers won in seven epic games behind the late great Kobe Bryant.
Rivers is a good coach and can connect with players well since he used to play in the NBA. However, his lack of in-game adjustments really hurt the Clippers against the Nuggets. It's also worth mentioning that Rivers has blown multiple 3-1 series leads as a coach, so that is something the Pelicans and Sixers should be mindful of.
New Orleans' roster is headlined by Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart. The Sixers, meanwhile, are led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The team could possibly trade Tobias Harris and/or Al Horford this offseason.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see where Rivers lands or if he decides to take some time off from coaching to spend time with his family and unwind after seven years with the Clippers.