76ers fired coach Maurice Cheeks

 From Huffington Post

PHILADELPHIA – Maurice Cheeks was fired Saturday as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, who are slumping at 9-14 a year after making the playoffs. Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo was appointed interim coach.

The moves were confirmed by a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an announcement had not been made. The team scheduled an afternoon news conference with general manager Ed Stefanski

Cheeks was one of more the popular players in 76ers history and was starting his fourth season as coach. Stefanski had given Cheeks two contract extensions in the past season, but the slow start was enough to cost him his job.

Cheeks became the fifth NBA coach fired this season following P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City), Eddie Jordan (Washington), Sam Mitchell (Toronto) and Randy Wittman (Minnesota).

A message left on Cheeks’ cell phone was not immediately returned.

The dismissal came hours before the 76ers were to play at home Saturday night, with DiLeo now making his coaching debut against Washington. DiLeo has spent 19 seasons with the 76ers. He was promoted to senior vice president/assistant general manager in 2003.