Cavs fire head coach Mike Brown

[elcheato]

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The most successful coach in Cavaliers history is now a former coach.

In a move expected since the team lost three consecutive games to be upset by the Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals, the Cavs fired coach Mike Brown on Sunday according to a league source. The news was first reported by ESPN.

It ended his run as the franchise's 17th coach after five seasons in which he broke numerous team records and was named the NBA's 2008-09 Coach of the Year.

The team is expected to make a formal announcement on Monday. The reason the act had to be done before the end of the weekend was there was a clause in Brown's contract, an extension signed in 2007, that guaranteed him about half of his salary for next season of $4 million if he was let go within 10 days of the end of this season.

Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert, who hand picked Brown and gave him his first head coaching job after an extensive coaching search in 2005, is believed to have been the driving force behind the decision. Though it followed more than a week of intensive meetings in which the merits and drawbacks of a coaching changed were deeply discussed.

Some Cavs' players, including LeBron James, also seemed to lose patience with Brown after some of his adjustments and rotations didn't work against the Celtics in the playoffs.

However, James is not believed to have made a personal push with management for a coaching change. He left it to the front office to make the final decision.

Brown seemed to struggle with his rotations after having to incorporate Shaquille O'Neal back into the team in the playoffs after O'Neal missed the final six weeks of the season. He started a lineup in the first game of the playoffs that he hadn't used all season and the turbulence from multiple players changing roles appeared to upset the balance of the team.

Those problems plus, according to sources, some disagreement over some game plans for playoff games with some of the team leaders eventually led to some discord in the locker room during the Celtics series.

The day Brown was hired, June 2, 2005, he promised he would make the Cavs a defense-based team. It was a pledge he would back up, using defense to win 100 regular games and four playoff series in just his first two seasons.

After some improvement in his first season, Brown's help-and-recover defensive system started to take hold. In the 2006-07 season, the Cavs allowed just 92 points a game in the regular season and just 86 points a game in the playoffs as the Cavs reached their first-ever Finals.

When the Cavs won a team-record 66 games in the '08-09 season, the Cavs allowed just 91 points a game and 43 percent opponent shooting.

Perhaps some of Brown's strongest work was his ability to help James become a better defender. After being suspect on defense his first two seasons in the NBA, James steadily improved under Brown. He was named first team All-Defense in each of the last two seasons.

But over the last two seasons, Brown's defense has struggled in the clutch. In losing in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009, the Cavs allowed 103 points per game and 48 percent shooting. In getting ousted by the Celtics in the second round this year, the Cavs gave up 100 points and 47 percent shooting per game.

During his tenure Brown was often criticized for his offensive systems. But over the last two years made assistant coaches offensive coordinators and the Cavs had their best offensive year in Brown's tenure this season. The Cavs were one of the top six offensive teams in the league, averaging 102 points and shooting 48 percent per game.

Brown's regular season record was 272-138, a .663 winning percentage that was the best in team history. Brown also set a team record for playoff wins, finishing 42-29.

I am really interested in seeing how he does without LeBron. I think he can do a better job if he doesn't have a superstar that he can't say no to..

 

[elcheato]

And here is the Cavs coaching list.

Phil Jackson

A 10-time world champion who made his mark by coaching in Chicago and Los Angeles. Until he retires for good Jackson would be at the top of any search. There are two reasons why he will be at the top of the Cavs' list.

One is that his contract with the Lakers is up at the end of the playoffs, making him the James of coaching free agents. The second is Jackson has said Lakers' owner Jerry Buss wants him to take a sizeable paycut from his $12.5 million annual salary. It has been reported that Buss wants Jackson to take as much as a $7 million cut.

Never afraid to spend money and already assured of some payroll relief compared to the past three seasons, there is a chance Cavs owner Dan Gilbert would be willing to outspend Buss for Jackson.

Five years ago, Jackson did accept an interview with Gilbert before going back to the Lakers.

Even so, this would be considered an extreme long shot. It is hard to see Jackson coaching in Cleveland. Actually, it is hard to see him coaching anywhere but L.A., especially because his longtime girlfriend is Lakers' executive Jeanie Buss.

Mike Krzyzewksi

This is the second time the Duke legend's name has come up with an NBA job this year. The other was in relation to the New Jersey Nets, speculation that Krzyzewski shot down by saying: "You would be flattered if someone would offer you a job, but I would not be interested."

The Cavs, however, have some factors going for them that may make Krzyzewksi at least listen. The central reason would be James, who now has a strong and respectful relationship with Krzyzewski after three summers of playing for him on Team USA. The two developed a bond as James matured as a team leader of the national team under Krzyzewski's encouragement.

Also, Cavs general manager Danny Ferry has a long-standing and deep relationship with his former college coach. Ferry went to three Final Fours under Krzyzewski and won National Player of the Year honors in 1989. Coming to Cleveland may seem like a crazy move for the man known as "Coach K," but knowing Ferry was there to work with him could sweeten the pot to a certain degree.

Ferry and Krzyzewksi also share the same agent.

In his recently released book, "The Gold Standard," Krzyzewksi revealed that he was very close to leaving Duke to join the Lakers as head coach in 2004 when Kobe Bryant made a personal pitch. Now at age 63 and coming off a national championship, it may be Krzyzewski's last chance to coach a superstar in the player's prime.

In the years since, Krzyzewksi has earned NBA respect because of his success as the head coach of Team USA, something he didn't have six years ago.

Despite all that, this also would have to be in the long shot category. Krzyzewski's reputation is beyond reproach and his place in history secure. Not to mention he's one of the highest-paid college coaches. He has shunned NBA opportunities for years.

Tom Izzo

Like Krzyzewski, the Michigan State coach has been a target of NBA teams numerous times in the past. Well-respected for his work ethic and ability to teach defense and rebounding, Izzo has established a reputation as a blue collar coach who routinely gets the most out of his teams. His persona would fit in well with the Cavs' desires to have a coach who establishes a system and a culture with his team.

Gilbert, a Michigan State graduate, has a relationship with Izzo and is believed to like him.

Coming off another Final Four appearance, Izzo would have little motive to leave the Spartans. He's turned down chances to make more money in the past. He did, however, recruit James for awhile when James was in high school.

More realistic big names

John Calipari

One of James' close friends, Calipari has vehemently said he is staying at Kentucky. The problem is, few people in the NBA believe that he would not consider the right NBA job. Would the Cavs be that job if James' re-signs?

Despite what may be assumed, it is not believed that James would actively push for Calipari in Cleveland or anywhere else he may look to sign that has a coach opening. But simply because of the relationship plus the long list of players Calipari has sent to the league, he will likely be on the Cavs' list.

Calipari is known for a more open offensive style that takes advantage of the constant talented perimeter players he has. It is a drive-and-kick style that opens lanes and doesn't need a post player to be successful. That may make him attractive to some in the Cavs organization after the offense has struggled at times during Brown's tenure.

Byron Scott

Other than Brown now, Scott has the most impressive playoff resume of any coach currently on the unemployment line. He turned around both the Nets and the Hornets by devising systems that incorporated the several stars that both teams had. He took the Nets to the Finals twice. His career playoff record of 33-24 is a testament.

In both stops, Scott was known for making a positive impact in his first 2-3 seasons on the bench but then losing the support of his team farther down the line. Both times he was fired, including last season in New Orleans, came after trouble with core players on his teams.

But he was very close with point guard Chris Paul, a golfing buddy as well as player, and Paul and James have a strong relationship.

The Sleepers

Jeff Van Gundy

There are those who think Van Gundy is the most accomplished former coach without a current job. He's a defensive specialist who is also known for taking a hard line with players and challenging his stars. It would be, in many ways, a direct opposite of the player-inclusive style that Brown used.

However, sources indicate Van Gundy isn't itching to return to coaching yet. He has a lucrative contract with ESPN as an analyst. Yet the chance to coach James could be a draw.

Mike Budenholzer

If the Cavs consider a candidate without head coaching experience, figure Budenholzer to be at the top of that list. He's been with the San Antonio Spurs for the last 16 seasons and for the last three has been Gregg Popovich's lead assistant. He has a relationship with Ferry and other members of the Cavs organization.

The belief is that Budenholzer is the coach-in-waiting for when Popovich decides to give up coaching duties. The Spurs may not be willing to give him up.

Also on the list:

Former head coaches

Dwayne Casey: Current Dallas assistant, a candidate for other current openings including Atlanta.
Maurice Cheeks: Solid resume, currently assistant with Thunder.
Lawrence Frank: Hard-working young coach who did a quality job with Nets.
Mike Fratello: Long shot, former Cavs coach badly wants back in somewhere.
Avery Johnson: May not be best fit, up for other jobs at the moment.
Sam Mitchell: Former Coach of the Year with Raptors.
Eric Musselman: Interviewed for Cavs opening in 2005.
Terry Porter: Saw some success but seemed to get raw deal in both Milwaukee and Phoenix, last two stops.

Rising assistants

Tyrone Corbin: Getting interviews around league after studying under Jerry Sloan in Utah.
Dean Demopoulos: Nate McMillan's lead assistant in Portland who has been on radar for several years.
Bill Laimbeer: Won titles as WNBA coach in Detroit, now on Timberwolves staff.
Dan Majerle: Former Cav now on Phoenix staff getting interest in league.
Mike Malone: Respected for his knowledge and work ethic, Cavs assistant could get interview.
Tom Thibodeau: Celtics defensive wiz is one of highest-paid and respected assistants in business. Has been getting interviews for last three years.
Elston Turner: Has been lead assistant with Rick Adelman in Sacramento and now Houston. Already interviewed for several opening this year.
Monty Williams: Young assistant with Blazers who is getting attention is on the short list in New Orleans.

 

[WhenIRap]

I don't get why they did that.

 

[Pugz]

because he choked three years in a row..

id like to see how he does with a team minus a superstar too. but count tom izzo off that list

 

[cruzg24]

Im going with Jeff Van Gundy, just a wild guess though.

 

[playmaker7]

I would think Van Gundy also

But its not really choking when your team is getting outplayed...he's not the one out there playing...

 

[jarrod2323]

Van Gundy is horrible - never won the big game, either

 

[Enigma 61]

I think it'll be Byron...

But still I don't think its necessarily a coaching problem though. I hope they screw around the team to LeBron's liking and then later find out he isn't coming back.

 

[snipezo]

Obviously a Knicks fan would say that lol.

 

[sheed]

He was like the Pistons Flip Saunders. Made it very far for a couple years in a row, but could never reach the finals.

 

[Enigma 61]

Obviously a Knicks fan would say that lol.

Haha yeah, although its been up and down lately with some saying he has a good chance of coming to NY and then other times where its out of the question.

 

[elcheato]

They most likely have 2 lists, one for if LeBron stays, another for if he leaves..

 

[RipCity32]

He was like the Pistons Flip Saunders. Made it very far for a couple years in a row, but could never reach the finals.

EXACTLY what I was going to say lol.
Brown is a beast for the regular season, but isn't a playoff coach. Just like Saunders.

Surprised it took this long TBH. They must of missed Kuester this year

 

[elcheato]

The team was probably better off without him actually. Kuester (I guess) is a defensive coach and Mike Brown let him run the offense to get experience and give him a better chance a becoming a head coach and it worked, he's a head coach.

 

[elcheato]

and I guess Dan Gilbert is willing to give 12 million yearly to Phil Jackson if the Lakers do in fact low ball him.

Even if LeBron does leave, I think we'll be in good shape in a year or so.. Gilbert is willing to spend and it should keep us in playoff contention.

 

[SaintFan25]

Not really surprising to me. I never thought Brown was that great of a coach to be honest. He's solid defensively but offensively I think he just handed LeBron the ball and said go make something happen.