Los Angeles Clippers

Report: 2 frontrunners revealed for new Clippers head coaching position

Published by
Ryan Ward

In a surprising twist following an epic playoff collapse, the Los Angeles Clippers have parted ways with longtime head coach Doc Rivers. Now that Rivers is out as the head coach, the search begins for his successor in Los Angeles.

The obvious choice for Rivers’ replacement is Clippers assistant coach Tyronn Lue, and it turns out he is one of the favorites to get the job along with Jeff Van Gundy.

Before the Clippers parted ways with Rivers, Lue was a popular name for vacant coaching jobs around the league. The Philadelphia 76ers were rumored to be considering Lue along with former Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni.

With the Clippers now having a vacancy and Lue having relationships with the players in Los Angeles, it would be an easy transition for the 43-year-old.

However, Van Gundy has also been a popular name mentioned to be in the running for head coaching jobs in the NBA. Van Gundy hasn’t coached in the league since 2007 when he was the head coach of the Rockets.

Both Lue and Van Gundy have the resumes to make an intriguing case for the Clippers. Van Gundy has gone through his fair share of battles as the head coach of the Rockets and New York Knicks while Lue won a title as LeBron James’ head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2015-16 NBA season.

The Clippers will almost certainly do their due diligence to find their next head coach as the team now possesses the most desirable head coaching job in the league with a championship-caliber roster headlined by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Ryan Ward

Ryan is a veteran sportswriter with nearly a decade of experience covering the NBA and NFL. He has also interviewed numerous players and coaches as a credentialed member of the media. Follow him on Twitter @RyanWardLA.

Published by
Ryan Ward

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

4 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

1 day ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

2 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

4 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

5 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

6 days ago