The Los Angeles Clippers have brought back former interim coach Kim Hughes to work for the franchise a week after firing him, an NBA source told Yahoo! Sports.
The Clippers announced April 17 that Hughes was relieved of his duties as coach and that the franchise was beginning its search for a replacement. This week, the Clippers asked Hughes to return to help with the draft and take part in player development. Hughes was back working out players in the team’s practice facility Wednesday. He remains under contract through June 30, but has yet to sign a new deal.
Though Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey and Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown are considered to be atop the Clippers’ wish list, Hughes also was told he would receive some consideration for the job. The Clippers informed Hughes they’d like for him to remain with the franchise in some capacity, even if, as expected, he doesn’t get the coaching job.
Hughes took over as interim coach for Mike Dunleavy on Feb. 4 after serving seven seasons as an assistant. The Clippers went 8-25 under him.
Interesting. Must be pretty awkward for him lol, but I'm glad they are at least gonna keep him in some kind of role; He seems like a genuinely nice guy and had a difficult job trying to change the game play style mid-season last year. Not sure how i'd feel about him returning to being a head coach though. If we are planning to blow everything up and rebuild, I guess its ok since we won't really need a vet coach and Hughes seems willing to develop the young guys a bit. If we are going for the win now, and bring in some good FA's; that's another story all together.
