Avery Johnson is in continued discussions with the Hawks about their vacant coaching position as at least one and perhaps two other jobs he’s interested in are out of play.
The Philadelphia 76ers hired Doug Collins on Friday. Johnson had been one of several candidates to interview for the job. And the Hornets reportedly have moved on in their search after Johnson lobbied for a dual front-office/coaching position for his hometown team, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Representatives for Johnson said they’ve continued to talk with the Hawks after Johnson met with the team Monday. However, a person with knowledge of the Hawks’ search said Friday that the team hasn't narrowed its field of candidates.
The Hawks still are set to meet with Dallas assistant and former Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey this weekend in Chicago and have interviewed Portland assistant Dean Demopoulos by phone. Both were assistants in Seattle when Hawks general manager Rick Sund was there.
Johnson also reportedly will meet with the New Jersey Nets about their coaching position. If he’s still is looking for front-office power, he’s not likely to get it in either New Jersey or Atlanta.
Sund has full personnel authority with the Hawks, including the ability to hire and fire coaches. Though Sund said he often consults with the ownership group, co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. said owners leave decisions to Sund.
In New Jersey, new Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov announced that general manager Kiki Vandeweghe will not be retained and team president Rod Thorn would take over Vandeweghe's duties. Thorn has been Nets president since 2000.
Meanwhile, the Hornets apparently no longer are considering Johnson. Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau and Portland assistant Monty Williams will get second interviews for the New Orleans’ head-coaching job, according to a Yahoo report.
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