INQUIRER: A source close to the 76ers has confirmed that Sixers head coach Maurice Cheeks has been fired and the interim coach will be Tony DiLeo, who is currently the Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager. DiLeo will coach tonight’s home game against the Washington Wizards and, a source close to the Sixers confirmed that DiLeo will coach the team through the end of the season. The official word coming from the Sixers at this point in “no comment.” MORE
WASHINGTON POST: The 76ers became the fifth team to fire its head coach this season when they replaced Maurice Cheeks with assistant general manager Tony DiLeo early Saturday, but fans of Philadelphia (10-14) might not want to raise their expectations too much. None of the previous four teams that fired a coach has seen a major improvement. Following their loss to Philadelphia on Saturday, the Wizards are now 3-7 since Eddie Jordan was replaced by Ed Tapscott on Nov. 24, after a 1-10 start. Oklahoma City is 1-10 since replacing P.J. Carlesimo with Scott Brooks after a 1-12 start, Minnesota is 0-3 since vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale replaced Randy Wittman after a 4-15 start. Toronto is 2-3 since Jay Triano stepped in for Sam Mitchell after an 8-9 start. MORE