Bobcats to interview Silas for head coach slot

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Hand-picked by Jordan?
Source: Bobcats to interview Silas for head coach slot

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_mannix/04/27/bobcats.silas

NEW YORK -- The Charlotte Bobcats will interview former Cleveland Cavalier coach Paul Silas next week for their vacant head coaching position, a league source tells SI.com.

Silas, who hasn't coached since 2005 after being fired by the Cavaliers, has a career coaching record of 355-400 (13-16 in the playoffs) in 10 seasons as a head coach. Since leaving Cleveland, Silas has worked as an NBA analyst on ESPN.

Charlotte has an opening after the team announced last month that head coach Bernie Bickerstaff would not be returning next season.

The 63-year old Silas would seem to be a natural fit for the Bobcats. He has a strong relationship with Bobcats Managing Member of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan.

The two have had conversations about working together in the past and Silas would bring a measure of stability to a young and still-developing Bobcats team. Silas has also coached at a number of Jordan's basketball camps throughout the years. Silas is regarded around the league as a man of integrity and would instantly command the respect of his players. He also lives in the Charlotte area and is building a home on Lake Norman.

 

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FORMER CHARLOTTE HORNETS COACH
Source: Silas, Bobcats to talk
RICK BONNELL
rbonnell@charlotteobserver.com
Former Charlotte Hornets coach Paul Silas will interview for the same position with the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday, an informed source told the Observer.

Silas, who last coached the Cleveland Cavaliers before he was dismissed in 2005, lives in the Charlotte area and is having a house built along Lake Norman. He was hugely popular here, as the last coach before the Hornets moved to New Orleans in 2002.

Silas is believed to be the first candidate to interview for the position, to succeed coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff. Bickerstaff, who will remain in the front office, will have a say in picking the next coach, as will part-owner Michael Jordan and majority owner Bob Johnson.

Silas, who could not be reached for comment Friday, has a 355-400 record over 10 NBA seasons. He coached the then-San Diego Clippers, the Hornets and the Cavaliers.

Silas is best-known for his player-management skills. He formed close bonds with guards David Wesley and Baron Davis in Charlotte. Like Bickerstaff, he coached by building a respect from the players.

Silas made no secret of his interest in this job, after it was first announced in March that Bickerstaff would step down as coach following the season.

Other possibilities for the opening include Larry Brown, who this week interviewed with the Memphis Grizzlies.

As of Thursday, the Bobcats had not asked the Philadelphia 76ers for permission to interview Brown. The Sixers hired Brown as an executive vice president, after the New York Knicks fired him one season into his tenure as their coach