Mark Jackson out of 76ers' coaching search

Mark Jackson, who seemed to be in the final stages of scheduling an interview with the 76ers for their coaching vacancy, has removed his name from consideration, according to his agent, Steve Kauffman.

Kauffman said Jackson "doesn't feel it's the right opportunity for him at this time."

In the last week, Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski met with two candidates, Doug Collins and Avery Johnson, but has yet to formally meet with a third.

Before stepping out of the race, Jackson seemed poised to become Stefanski's next official interview. According to an NBA source, Stefanski will formally meet with Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams on Monday.

Joining Stefanski in the interview process has been assistant general manager Tony DiLeo and team consultant Gene Shue.

On April 15, Stefanski fired coach Eddie Jordan, who finished his first season as head coach with a record of 27-55.

According to a source close to the situation, the Sixers will not move quickly on their next hire and will likely wait for the NBA playoffs to near completion.

Jackson, 45, played in the NBA from 1987 to 2004 and now works alongside former New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy as a commentator for ABC/ESPN. Jackson has never been an NBA coach, but was a rumored candidate for the Knicks' coaching vacancy in 2008.

Williams played 10 NBA seasons, with the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Sixers. Williams, 38, spent the 2004-05 season as a coaching staff intern on the Spurs' NBA championship team before joining Nate McMillan's Portland staff in 2005.

During the 2002-03 season, Williams appeared in 21 games for the Sixers; he spent much of the 2009-10 season as the right-hand man for McMillan, who ruptured his Achilles tendon on Dec. 5 and could not actively coach on Portland's sideline.

Williams is one of a few assistant coaches the Sixers will likely interview: The list includes the Dallas Mavericks' Dwane Casey, the Boston Celtics' Tom Thibodeau, and the San Antonio Spurs' Mike Budenholzer.

On Tuesday, Casey interviewed for the New Orleans Hornets' coaching vacancy.

Also being discussed as possible candidates are former Hornets coach Byron Scott and former Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell.