With the resignation of Doug Collins as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, associate Michael Curry will interview for the franchise’s vacancy while eyeing job openings around the NBA, Curry told RealGM on Thursday afternoon.
Curry discussed the 76ers’ head coaching with general manager Tony DiLeo on Thursday and will continue his duties into the offseason as part of the staff. DiLeo has already begun compiling a list of candidates and Curry is poised to be among them to receive a formal interview.
Collins, now a special consultant to the 76ers, has always been an advocate of Curry, who served as his lead assistant over the past three seasons.
After being a finalist for the vacancy with the Orlando Magic that went to Jacque Vaughn last offseason, Curry has established himself as a defensive coach who will attract interviews from teams with openings – such as the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers, who fired Byron Scott on Thursday, have made clear their hunt will be predicated on finding a defensive mind with strong schemes. The Milwaukee Bucks could also have an opening this offseason, given Jim Boylan’s status seemingly tepid status.
In one season as the Detroit Pistons’ coach in 2009, Curry went 39-43 and reached the playoffs as the eighth seed before being fired. Since then, Curry has emerged as an influential voice within the 76ers’ staff, and he led more and more huddles in recent years.
“I have grown as a coach since [the Pistons season] and I know that it’s not just about Xs and Os; you also have to be a great communicator, good with your dealings,” Curry said. “I feel I am there now, and I helped a lot of those young players grow in Detroit and now here in Philadelphia.”