76ers Rumors: Sam Cassell Linked to Temple Coaching Job
Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell is reportedly drawing interest for a local head coaching position. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Cassell is on Temple University’s radar.
Recently, Temple parted ways with former Sixer Aaron McKie, who has coached the team since 2019. McKie took over after a 13-year run by Fran Dunphy.
With McKie moving on, the Owls are searching for a new candidate and are potentially looking into Cassell, who has coached alongside Doc Rivers since 2014.
Cassell has many years of playing experience in the NBA and started coaching in 2009. After getting his start as an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards, Cassell joined Doc Rivers’ staff on the Los Angeles Clippers.
When Rivers parted ways with the Clippers following the 2019-2020 season, Cassell followed him to the Sixers. Many NBA head coaching positions have opened up since Cassell moved to Philadelphia. While he interviewed for a couple of positions, he remains an assistant on Rivers’ staff.
Would Cassell take on a head coaching position in the NCAA? According to Scotto’s report, it doesn’t seem likely that will be the case.
Per Scotto, Cassell has all of his focus on helping the Sixers compete for an NBA title at this time. With just a few more weeks left in the regular season, the Sixers will inevitably make the playoffs, as they could clinch a playoff berth as early as Monday night.
Since Cassell is one of the top assistants on the staff and is key to the development of the Sixers’ backcourt, it seems the assistant coach will remain zeroed-in on his critical role in Philadelphia for the time being.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
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