Sources: 76ers Hope Doug Collins Steps Down As Coach

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Philadlephia 76ers privately wish that Doug Collins decides not to return as coach for the final year of his contract next season, according to multiple league sources.

The 76ers have no plans to extend Collins' contract.

Due to his desire to win, Collins has been demanding with people above him in the 76ers' organization and players on the roster. Some members of the organization prefer a coach who is more pliable in his dealings with management and players.

Collins, who will turn 62 this summer, would have to leave $4.5 million on the table if he decided to quit.

"I'm entirely focused on trying to win the games we have left," Collins said Wednesday night before the Sixers played Atlanta at the Wells Fargo Center. "I'm not thinking at all about next season. I haven't gone there."

After a run to the second round in last year's playoffs, the 76ers have slipped badly this season, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference and 16 games under .500.

Via Bob Ford/Philadelphia Inquirer

[CoreyGallagher]

I'm Sixers fan and I do really like Doug Collins and I wish that everything for this season went as expected because he did deserve that much, but going forward and likely having to rebuild to some extent I would have to agree that he is not the right coach to take on that sort of a task. I hope that he goes back to commentating or if he so desired is given another opportunity to coach.

[icoholic]

If Bynum had been healthy, I imagine this conversation wouldn't be had.

[Jeff Van Gully]

that's a cold, cold headline.

collins is a good coach. they caught some bad breaks this year. but that rag tag bunch still should have contended for a playoff spot.

there are some good players to build on, with or without bynum.

[I_Love_NYK]

The sixers did go to the 2nd round of the playoffs last year with Doug Collins.

They got absolutely nothing in the trade. They lost Andre Igoudala and Nikola Vucevic, if both were still in Philadelphia they would be a 7th-8th seed right now.

[HotelVitale]

Then fire him like every other coach who's not working out. Don't use some weak press leak to pressure him into leaving $5m on the table.

[pkiskool]

Raptors will happily have you on board Mr. Collins.

[rockmanslim]

Hope someone, anyone, hires him, and quickly. Anything to keep his whinging voice off TNT.

[eksessiv]

Love it. The management of this team made a horrible trade and it's blamed on the coach. Go figure. Andrew Bynum killed this team.... period. All of his off-court antics while his teammates were busting tail trying to win games......he injures himself bowling. Give me a freaking break.

[FNQ]

This is an awful thing to do by 76ers PR... they obviously leaked this to plant the idea that Collins isn't welcome in an effort to get him to leave millions on the table.

Classless. I think Philly might have an issue getting a next HC because of this. A good one, anyways. This just isn't professional IMO