News and Features

Sixers confirm team to meet with Thibodeau

The Philadelphia 76ers confirmed a report out of Boston this afternoon that Celtics Associate Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has been given permission to speak with the Sixers about the vacant head coaching position.

Thibodeau, who just completed his second season with the Celtics, is known around the league as one of the best defensive coaches in the NBA, having had teams he has coached rank in the top 10 in team defense 15 times in 19 seasons. Prior to joining the Celtics, Thibodeau had helped the Houston Rockets rank among the top five in the NBA in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense in his four seasons there.

Thibodeau served as an assistant coach under John Lucas with the Sixers for two seasons.

According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics were well aware of Thibodeau’s desire to become a head coach, as he worked for them under two one-year contracts.

Tony DiLeo returned to his previous position as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager after withdrawing his name from consideration to return as head coach on May 11, 2009.

Per team policy, the Sixers had no further comment on the pending interview with Thibodeau.