PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers hired Jim O'Brien as coach Tuesday, The Associated Press has learned.
The former Boston Celtics coach replaces Chris Ford, who was promoted from assistant on an interim basis after Randy Ayers was fired on Feb. 10. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the hiring will be announced at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
O'Brien stepped down as coach of the Celtics on Jan. 27 after clashing with Danny Ainge, the team's executive director of basketball operations. O'Brien was 139-119 with the Celtics and led them to the Eastern Conference finals and semifinals the last two seasons.
He'll be the third coach to lead the Sixers since Hall of Famer Larry Brown stepped down last May. Brown, who spent six seasons in Philadelphia, coaches the Detroit Pistons.
Ayers, an assistant under Brown with the Sixers, was fired after posting a 21-31 record. Ford, who had several run-ins with All-Star guard Allen Iverson, led Philadelphia to a 12-18 record, and the team missed the playoffs for the first time since the 1997-98 season
The former Boston Celtics coach replaces Chris Ford, who was promoted from assistant on an interim basis after Randy Ayers was fired on Feb. 10. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the hiring will be announced at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
O'Brien stepped down as coach of the Celtics on Jan. 27 after clashing with Danny Ainge, the team's executive director of basketball operations. O'Brien was 139-119 with the Celtics and led them to the Eastern Conference finals and semifinals the last two seasons.
He'll be the third coach to lead the Sixers since Hall of Famer Larry Brown stepped down last May. Brown, who spent six seasons in Philadelphia, coaches the Detroit Pistons.
Ayers, an assistant under Brown with the Sixers, was fired after posting a 21-31 record. Ford, who had several run-ins with All-Star guard Allen Iverson, led Philadelphia to a 12-18 record, and the team missed the playoffs for the first time since the 1997-98 season
