Jason Burgos
In a matter of a week, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse went from being on very solid footing when it comes to his job, to maybe in the hottest seat in the NBA. When he was able to rally the troops and lead them back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Celtics and advance to the semis, he seemingly proved he had the pulse of his team.
Then, in a matter of four games against the New York Knicks, the warts on his approach to coaching again showed. Beyond his overreliance on his starters and poor scheming to stop Jalen Brunson, letting broken-down veterans Joel Embiid and Paul George take the lead on offense, instead of top star Tyrese Maxey, may have been the best evidence that he is not the man to lead this team forward.
If the 76ers front office took the bold step of ousting Nurse this week, after being swept out of the second round of the playoffs, here are seven replacement options this offseason.
Micah Nori, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant
A top assistant that has been linked to several head coaching jobs over the last couple of years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nori. He has been learning on NBA benches for 18 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants around the game, there is no more ready and respected individual than Nori.
Furthermore, he has played a key role in developing a team with a strong defensive backbone that could go to the Western Conference Finals for a third straight year. More defensive toughness is something the 76ers can certainly use.
Billy Donovan, Former Chicago Bulls head coach
Former Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan will certainly be a name of interest if the 76ers do move on from Nurse. While his time in Chicago was mostly underwhelming, he had a good bit of success in OKC and was a legend in the college ranks after winning two Nattys with Florida.
With or without Embiid, this would be one of the most talented rosters he has had so there is big potential for Philly with Donovan as head coach.
Chris Quinn, Miami Heat assistant
Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is sure to land a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant. The Heat and their culture are one of the most respected in the game because of their competence.
Quinn is one of the franchise’s greatest acolytes and could bring what has worked for them over the last decade-plus to the 76ers. He would be a name to keep an eye out for.
Sam Cassell, Boston Celtics assistant
Sam Cassell had a really nice 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assistant during multiple stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics.
For several years, he’s been seen as an individual worthy of a head coaching job, and it is just a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him an opportunity. He should definitely be under consideration for the 76ers job if it becomes available.
Mike Wilks, Oklahoma City Thunder assistant
Sooner or later, rival teams will start poaching assistants from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s coaching staff because head coach Mark Daigneault has developed a championship program from the ground up. One of his top assistants on the road to being the cream of the NBA crop is Mike Wilks.
Wilks has played a key role in developing their young core and has also worked under a boatload of coaches as a player. He has an intriguing wealth of knowledge that makes him an interesting candidate to be Philadelphia’s next head coach.
Jeff Van Gundy, Los Angeles Clippers assistant
After a lengthy stint with the New York Knicks and a four-year run with the Houston Rockets, Jeff Van Gundy stepped away from coaching and became a beloved on-air voice for the NBA on ESPN for many years. However, after 16 years, he was let go by the network in 2023. Since then, he has been an advisor for the Boston Celtics and is currently an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he has earned rave reviews.
With Van Gundy back in the coaching game and far wiser, the man with a 430-318 record should be a candidate for the 76ers’ job if he is interested.
Jerry Stackhouse, Golden State Warriors assistant
Before Steve Kerr signed a new contract with the Golden State Warriors last week, San Francisco Standard Warriors reporter Tim Kawakami listed him as a potential option to replace the future Hall of Fame coach. If he would be good enough for that job, why couldn’t he be an option for the team that made him the 3rd overall pick in the 1995 draft?
Stackhouse has been under the learning tree of an elite coach for a couple of seasons, and unlike the other contenders on this list, the former Vanderbilt coach’s background as a two-time All-Star and 76ers alum will bring a different level of respect from the players he could lead in 2026-27.
