Morey: Doc will return as 76ers coach next season
The Philadelphia 76ers won't be moving on from head coach Doc Rivers just yet.
President of basketball operations Daryl Morey confirmed the 60-year-old bench boss will return to lead the 76ers next season, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
Philadelphia was eliminated from the Eastern Conference semifinals for a second consecutive year under Rivers, this time at the hands of the Miami Heat in six games. Last year, the 76ers suffered an upset series loss to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games.
The longtime coach helped the Sixers go 100-54 across two regular seasons since taking over, but he hasn't enjoyed the same level of success in postseason play. Rivers has won 13 of his 24 playoff games in Philly, claiming just two playoff series victories for a team that's had championship expectations since his arrival and has MVP candidate Joel Embiid in his prime.
Morey credits his strong relationship with Rivers as part of the reason the latter will stay.
"I just think he's a great coach, and I love working with him," Morey said, courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
Rivers is in the third campaign of a five-year, $40-million deal, according to Spotrac. He's under contract through 2024-25.
The bench boss won a championship while leading the Boston Celtics in 2008. Rivers shifted to coaching to start the 1999-00 campaign after a 13-year playing career.
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