Maurice Cheeks was surprisingly fired as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons on Sunday after 50 games. Cheeks was 21-29 and was replaced by assistant John Loyer on an interim basis for the rest of the season.
Even though Loyer is auditioning for the job himself, it's doubtful that he'll land the job permanently. The job won't be filled until the offseason, so here are a list of candidates that should be in play to be the next coach of the Detroit Pistons.
Lionel Hollins
Hollins is the hot name right now for the job right now. He led the Memphis Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals last season with a roster that was similar to what the Pistons have now.
Hollins has expressed interest in the Pistons and is the odds on favorite to land in Detroit.
Bill Laimbeer
Laimbeer is the fan-favorite based on his playing days with the Pistons. The problem is that Laimbeer's coaching experience is limited to the WNBA and one year on the sidelines with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
If Laimbeer coached the Pistons, I could see a fight breaking out with one of the players, but he could make the Pistons interesting.
George Karl
Karl has won everywhere he's been. Karl has also worn out his welcome everywhere he's been. He was the coach of the year last season and has led five different teams to the playoffs.
I don't think the Pistons have a roster for Karl's preferred style of play, though.
Jeff Van Gundy
It's a long shot, but when your in the position the Pistons are in, it's worth a try. I don't see Van Gundy leaving ABC anytime soon. He seems too comfortable next to Mike Breen.
Phil Jackson
This is an absolute pipe dream. Only if Tom Gores gave him part ownership, a star player and a boatload of cash.
Stan Van Gundy
I think Stan is comfortable in semi-retirement. He could come back if the right team came calling. He's never had a losing record.
The former Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle SuperSonics coach interviewed three times during the Pistons’ last coaching search, but the job went to Cheeks. He’s now an assistant with the Indiana Pacers.
