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Sixers interview Turner; Collins still lead candidate

On Friday, 76ers president and general manager Ed Stefanski interviewed Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner for the team's coaching vacancy, although a source close to the situation said Doug Collins still remains the leading candidate for the job.

Broadcaster Doug Collins has interviewed with the Sixers for the vacant coaching position. (AP Photo / David Zalubowski)
Broadcaster Doug Collins has interviewed with the Sixers for the vacant coaching position. (AP Photo / David Zalubowski)Read more

On Friday, 76ers president and general manager Ed Stefanski interviewed Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner for the team's coaching vacancy, although a source close to the situation said Doug Collins still remains the leading candidate for the job.

Collins, 58, interviewed for the job on May 1; since, Stefanski has kept in close communication with Collins, as was reported in Thursday's edition of the Inquirer.

Turner became the seventh candidate interviewed since Stefanski fired Eddie Jordan on April 15, less than 24 hours after Jordan finished his first season with a record of 27-55.

"Elston has almost 15 years of experience as a assistant coach - most of which came under Rick Adelman, who trusted him with major responsibilities on both ends of the court, with a focus on defense - and he has experienced success at every stop during his NBA career," Stefanski said in a press release. "I want to thank Elston for taking the time to speak with us today."

Turner, 52, has previously been a finalist for two NBA head coaching positions: with the Phoenix Suns in 2008 and with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009. Turner has worked as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers and, since 2007, for the Rockets.

Added Stefanski: "We will continue to evaluate the candidates and proceed with our due diligence in order to make an informed and objective decision regarding our next head coach."

Including Collins and Turner, Stefanski - who has been aided in the process by assistant general manager Tony DiLeo and team consultant Gene Shue - has interviewed former Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell, former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, and assistant coaches Bill Laimbeer, Dan Majerle, and Monty Williams.