All 76ers

Sixers Promote G-League Head Coach to NBA Role

Mike Longabardi will be a part of the Sixers' staff in the upcoming season.
Declan Harris|
Apr 3, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Mike Longabardi reacts in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Apr 3, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Mike Longabardi reacts in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

In this story:

Philadelphia 76ers

As the NBA season rapidly approaches, teams around the association are starting to make some of their final roster moves before their respective training camps and preseason fixtures. Just as it applies to their rosters, it also applies to their coaching staff, which could be seen with the Philadelphia 76ers.

On Wednesday, it was reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto that the Sixers were promoting Mike Longabardi to an assistant coaching role among Nick Nurse’s staff.

The move comes after what was a long offseason for Longabardi and the Delaware Blue Coats, the Sixers’ G League affiliate, whom he managed for two seasons.

Longabardi’s time in the G League

Longabardi was brought in to manage the Blue Coats after the departure of Coby Karl, who got promoted to a role in Philadelphia on the heels of a G League championship with Delaware in 2023.

His first season in Delaware wouldn’t end in the finals, but rather the conference semifinals, after what was a rocky end to the season, as the Blue Coats finished in the sixth spot with a record of 19-15. This roster would include some notable talents such as Ricky Council IV, Kenneth Lofton Jr., Darius Bazley, and Terquavion Smith, amongst others.

Things would only go down from there, as the Blue Coats failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2024-25 season, finishing with a record of 14-20. Their lackluster performance could be pinned on a few things: consistent roster turnover, the continuous loss of their two-way stars, or their rough defensive rating on the court.

Does Longabardi have experience in the NBA?

Mike Longabardi talks to Tyronn Lue.
June 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue (center) talks to assistant coach Mike Longabardi (left) and assistant coach Jim Boylan (right) during NBA Finals media day at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

His role with the Sixers won’t be Longabardi’s first opportunity on an NBA team, having been a part of the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers, having won his second NBA championship in 2016, with his first coming with the aforementioned Celtics in 2008.

Another note that’s worth pointing out is that Longabardi was promoted to the defensive coordinator position on the Celtics later on in his tenure at the organization, showing that he’s able to do more than be just an assistant coach for a team.

More 76ers On SI

3 Sixers Most Likely to be Traded During 2025-26 Season

Sixers Rookie VJ Edgecombe Slighted in NBA Offseason Poll

Emoni Bates Reacts to Signing Training Camp Deal With Sixers

Sixers Make Flurry of Signings Ahead of Training Camp

Sixers Unveil Allen Iverson-Era Throwback Jersey

Published
Declan Harris
DECLAN HARRIS

Declan Harris is a writer for FanNation's All76ers powered by Sports Illustrated Media Group. In addition to his role covering the Sixers, Declan also writes for CityXtra, covering Manchester City F.C. He is a 2023 Temple University Lew Klein School of Media and Communications graduate.

Home/News