76ers fire coach Maurice Cheeks

By DAN GELSTON – 4 hours ago

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — 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 coach for rest of the season.

The dismissal came hours before the 76ers were to play at home, with DiLeo making his coaching debut against Washington.

Team president Ed Stefanski said he met with Cheeks, describing the former 76er star as a "gentleman throughout" and a "class act."

"I felt we were not progressing the way we had wanted to progress," Stefanski said."I didn't feel on the floor we were executing the philosophy we wanted to have as Sixers basketball."

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.

76ers fire coach Maurice Cheeks....

76ers, Cheeks agree on extension

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers revamped their roster this summer with key signings. Now, they've made sure their coach will be there, too.
The 76ers gave Maurice Cheeks his second contract extension in seven months Tuesday, capping a busy summer highlighted by the addition of free agent forward Elton Brand. Cheeks previously signed a one-year extension on Feb. 20. Terms of the latest deal were not disclosed.

"I always wanted to be here, no matter what," Cheeks said during a conference call.

Cheeks led the team to the playoffs last season, where the 76ers lost in the first round to the Detroit Pistons. After an 18-30 start, Philadelphia won 18 of its next 23 games and wound up at 40-42 and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

"I had a little luck on my side," Cheeks said.

76ers, Cheeks agree on extension....