According to a source who has spoken recently with Eddie Jordan and Doug Collins, both would be interested in becoming the next coach of the 76ers , a job made available yesterday when Tony DiLeo removed his name from consideration.
Jordan is interviewing for the Sacramento Kings' vacancy today and tomorrow in Las Vegas, but the source, who confirmed Jordan's close relationship with Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski, said Jordan would be drawn to the Sixers' job because of the team's ability to contend. Stefanski worked with Jordan for four seasons in New Jersey, where the latter served as an assistant coach with the Nets.
Jordan was fired as coach of the Washington Wizards early this season. He also coached the Kings in 1997 and '98.
The source also said that Collins would return to coaching in only two cities, one of which was Philadelphia. Collins has coached in the NBA with Chicago, Detroit and Washington.
Yesterday, after announcing that DiLeo had withdrawn his name from consideration, Stefanski discussed the qualities he would like in a head coach. He would not discuss any particular candidate. The general manager said the decision was his alone.
"A few things I really look for in a coach is a communicator, a guy who is a leader and will hold the players accountable, and a coach who can develop players," Stefanski said. "I know when you bring in young kids and draft picks, you need people who can develop talent."
Stefanski said communication was his biggest concern.
Collins' agent, John Langel, said last night that the former 76ers guard had not heard from the Sixers , nor had he contacted the organization.
A source close to Avery Johnson said that as of yesterday afternoon, the Sixers had not contacted the former Dallas Mavericks coach.
Stefanski said if he was interested in a coach who is still under contract - such as an assistant who is coaching in the playoffs - he would have to call the team's general manager for permission to speak with him.
Sixers scout Chris Ford, who coached the team in 2004, could be an in-house candidate.
"I have not talked to anyone yet and no one has made themselves available," said Stefanski of in-house candidates. "But I'm sure they will."
Stefanski said the search for a new coach would be "wide open" and promised to "get it right."
He said the Sixers would have the resources to hire the best candidate regardless of price, saying that Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider "has always stepped up when we needed something."
Contact staff writer Kate Fagan at 856-779-3844 or kfagan@phillynews.com.
