Sixers news: Doc Rivers a 'serious candidate' to become next coach

After meeting with the Sixers, reports are surfacing in which Doc Rivers is likely the top leader when it comes to the man who...

After participating in a productive discussion with general manager Elton Brand and other members of the front office, Doc Rivers has emerged as a “serious candidate” for the Sixers head coaching job.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski shared this news on Thursday morning. Interestingly, his report also indicates that Philly is considering former Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni as well.

After a productive Wednesday of talks with Sixers, Doc Rivers has emerged as a serious candidate in process to hire a new coach, sources tell ESPN. Rivers left town after meeting with ownership and GM Elton Brand. Mike D’Antoni remains other prominent candidate in search.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 1, 2020

Rivers is viewed as one of the best available coaching candidates on the current market. Unfortunately, the L.A. Clippers decided to fire the 58-year-old play caller after the team was eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. His record through seven seasons with the Clippers was 356-208. However, he was unable to lead the team beyond the second round of the playoffs.

Landing a job with the Sixers wouldn't be so bad for Rivers, as the team is packed with talented players that he could work into his system. Simply put, guys like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons could stand to gain from Doc's mentorship.

Like the Clippers, the Sixers fell short of their aspirations in this year's playoffs. Somewhat surprisingly, Philly was swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round. As a result, the team decided to part ways with coach Brett Brown. All in all, there have been 24 different play callers for the Sixers. A bit of stability wouldn't hurt.

Other teams are interested in Rivers' services, though. According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, the New Orleans Pelicans have also reached out to the gauge his interest.

For now, we'll have to wait for the Sixers to make an official offer to Rivers. Exactly when that might be remains to be seen, but it sounds like the two sides are close.