The word is Ed Stefanski will be meeting with Tony Dileo this afternoon to discuss the season and more importantly Dileo’s future – head coach or back to the front office.
UPDATE: Dileo is out. Withdrew his name for the head coach position. Good job.
I will come right out with my opinion of the situation – In no way should Tony Dileo remain as the Sixers head coach.
I’ve read posts and articles about the pros and cons of retaining Dileo on the bench. We the only, only PRO (not a good one) that Tony Dileo would be back as head coach would be 100% financially driven. And if we take Ed Stefanski at his word that he won’t make decisions based solely on money and that it must help the team on the court then that reason shouldn’t even come into play. Any other “pro” is faulty and detrimental to the progression of this team and organization as a whole for that matter.
3 Reasons Why I Would Be Shocked to See Tony Dileo Remain the Head Coach
- No one of importance has come out and publicly given a vote of confidence for Dileo as the head coach.
- Having a veteran come out and bash the coaching staff for not holding players accountable should be a major red flag on a team with young players in significant roles and no definitive leader.
- Stefanski had 59 regular season games and 6 playoff games to evaluate Tony Dileo as head coach. His lack of comment about Dileo’s coaching future says a lot to me. Why not back your coach – unless he clearly isn’t? There shouldn’t be a need for all this time of reflection and stepping away. The whole body of work even before the last game was enough to suggest Dileo isn’t really the guy (more on this below).
Why I Don’t Want Tony Dileo to Remain Head Coach
Let me start by saying this…
Stefanski was adamant at the press conference saying Dileo IS the head coach this season – no interim he said. If that is the case, why wouldn’t he be the head coach next season if results dictate that? He got the team playing the style Stefanski wants and succeeded to a degree with it – I guess. I mean they weren’t really suppose to beat Orlando anyway so that couldn’t have been the expectation without Brand right? He essentially did exactly what Mo Cheeks did to get a contract extension right? Well yes and no.
Yes, the results were similar at the end of the day. No, because I wouldn’t really categorize Tony Dileo as a head coach. What I would say “he was decent as a team manager under the general manager this season.” Managing and coaching are not the same for me. Management is just a part of coaching in my book.
I say that because I question how much coaching Dileo actually did. Now Tom Moore probably could speak to what goes on in practice. But what I noticed was a lot of Tony Dileo standing around while other assistants did the actual in-game coaching, drawing of plays, talking to players etc. Dileo was there to oversea but often looked inactive in times where head coaching activity and communication was imperative.
Who was actually drawing up end of clock, end of game plays? While they sucked either way, most of the times I got a look in the huddle it was an assistant coach with the clip board commanding the players attention not Dileo.
Look this is only my (one person’s) personal observation having been to more than half the home games sitting in the lower level and having watched almost all of the other half. I could be wrong but I just didn’t see enough from Dileo to warrant his tenure on the bench to be extended. This lead perfectly into my next thought.
I had to factor in what the players have said, directly or indirectly about the coaching. Andre Igoudala’s comments were interesting (inner turmoil?) and Theo Ratliff’s comments confirmed all our concern and suspicion of the weak-handed coaching that had no accountability enforcement.
That is a key term for me and Dileo’s rebuttal to Ratliff’s claims was beyond sheepish (an indictment on it’s own of him as the coach next season). Just saying you their accountability means absolutely nothing. If the players don’t feel it or see it, good chance regardless of what you think (Dileo) it’s not there. Without clear feedback (additional coaching, tongue lashing, benching etc.) it’s only fuzzy accountability and that doesn’t get the job done. Coaching has a lot to do with providing appropriate feedback at the right time. Sometimes that feedback must be stern in order for message to seep in. Is Dileo even capable of this? I think he lacks coaching versatility to ultimately be successful as a lead man.
I already wrote a lengthy post about the type of coach I think we should bring in. At the end of the day it comes down to this for me could Dileo be a championship level coach? Meaning can he either:
- Handle (incorporate into a team concept) elite level talent (if Stefanski can pull it) in order to win (Phil Jackson, Doc Rivers) or
- Can he bring good level talent up to a championship level? (Is this team even at this level?)
I think the answer is no to both those questions. Then the question becomes
- Would Tony Dileo be a good (not just cheap) intermediary/placeholder until this team acquires enough talent to get to the next level and then bring in THE coach?
- Is doing that even a good idea?
I think the answer is no to both those question as well.
What do you think?
Loading ...
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t think there will be an announcement today, but I’d say it’s 70-30 DiLeo won’t be back. Funny how everything seemed to change because of Game 6.
Tom what’s you take on the situation? Do you feel he should be back? What do you think of my observation that the assistant coaches did a lot of the coaching in-game or at the very least played a much bigger role than they would have if we had a legit head coach in here?
4:30 conference call — could be that DiLeo won’t be back. I think he did a good job, but it’s hard to say if he can take them to the next level. Had Game 6 and Game 4 been reversed, wonder how different the perception would be.
They’ve probably talked daily (barring vacations) since Stefanski’s come on board.
Today is business as usual … unless they actually DO something. A report of a meeting between the two frontmen in charge of our Sixers business doesn’t exactly make one’s hair stand on end. Ho-hum … Tweedle-dee & Tweedle-dum.
Per Philly.com DiLeo has withdrawn his name for consideration as the Sixers coach next season.
Well, this could be a second year in a row where the Sixers offseason will be interesting!
We MUST keep our ears and eyes out on Doug Collins when he broadcasts a game. Those are the little details we could be seeing when picturing him as a head coach.
Stefanski said DiLeo knew he wouldn’t be able to see his kids play sports as much if he were head coach. Asked if he would’ve kept DiLeo if DiLeo wants to stay, Stefanski said, ”
That’s speculation. Once Tony said (he wants to go back to front office), I’m not going to speculate on that.
Plus, Dileo knew he wouldn’t be able to see Sam play basketball, so he threw in the towel.
Translation of Stefanski reply to question: Absolutely not, but perhaps.
I’ll be honest, I really don’t think there is much to choose from. Eddie Jordan doesn’t have a 500 record, and Doug’s record isn’t much better. The Wizards were smart, they took Flip off the board before the season was over! I know we couldn’t do that but look what’s left. Van Gundy, Avery, Chris Ford? This should be interesting.
This was a ” Hey tell everyone that your stepping down because we’re not going to retain you Tony” type of thing.
E.S. said the new coach being hired before the draft wasn!t a big deal. But he also said money wouldn!t be an issue in the hiring. I hope he is waiting for the playoffs to end so we get a top assistant. [Thebodeax?]
Stefanski said he’d definitely have a coach by the July 1 start of free agency.
Needs to have a coach before the draft I don’t buy the coach doesn’t need to be involved in the draft process. I fully understand he doesn’t want to rush the process but considering the Sixers cap situation the significance of the draft increases greatly.
Glad to see this, looking forward to see who becomes the next victim.
Do you think there is any chance ES can pull off a shocker and manage to trade our entire team for the Nuggets entire team?
Better chance of finding a taker for Dalembert …
I thought Dalembert would be the piece that would make it a “can’t say no” deal for the Nuggets, I heard that kid had some potential…
Dannie, I agree with you. Ideally, a head coach should be in place and have strong input in the draft process. Of course, it’s probably not a big deal to ES because he intends to maintain strict control of personnel decisions (my conjecture). And delay eliminates that possible dissenting voice.
If you haven’t already read this. People always kept saying Andre Miller was underrated possibly the most underrated in the NBA. That’s nonsense.
Bski: In the last thread, you asked why I wanted no part of Van Gundy. One reason, and one reason only: as a fan I don’t like his style. Van Gundy is a wonderful coach; I greatly respect how he runs his teams, we’ve all witnessed his kickass personality the past two years as a broadcaster, and he seems to be nothing but frank and honest with his players, lays down expectations and expects players to meet them, and has no hesitation cracking the whip.
That said…he belongs to a select crew of coaches, call it a club if you will:
-Van Gundy
-Fratello
-Bo Ryan (Wisconsin)
-Tony Bennitt (Wash. St now UVA)
They are very good coaches (Bo Ryan I would use the word “incredible”) that happen to utilize the most boring offenses in the sport. Plodding, halfcourt…the kind of thing that makes you want to gauge your eyes out with a spoon. I love good defense, and Van Gundy would most certainly make our team tough, more savvy, make less mistakes, and more efficient offensively…but as a fan, hell, I just don’t feel like being bored by the style.
Bring me the open court run n’ gun or heavy motion offenses in the halfcourt any day.
I think Tont mde the right decison. Remaining coach would have resulted in him being unemplaoyed within 2 years. No matter who coaches the Sixers, they aren’t ready to take the next step. Hopefully someone or something will happen to change that. Clearly a no nonsense type of coach who is a good communicator and teacher is required.
Jordan supposedly interviewing with Kings today in Vegas. Have a feeling Collins is the early leader in the clubhouse.
DiLeo: noon news conference today at PCOM.
I’m pleased that ES ”accepted the transfer request” of the guy who taught Uwe Blab’s big sister the drop step and up-and-under … which brings me to a consideration of who among the 3 workmanlike NBA centers was best: Uwe Blab, High Henry Finkel or Sloughin’ Sam Dalembert.
I read Kings are interviewing Paul Westphal too.
Sixers players should not be consulted on next coach. At least not seriously. They don’t need a friend; they need a bold antagonist (where necessary).
Jumpin, I would hope personality [no-nonsense] would be at the top of E.S.!s list but when he says things like ” we are looking for a good communicator”, I start to worry.
suede, Me too.
Finesse is overrated. Basketball is simple. Communicate a plan with authority. Toss non-compliers aside. Outsource the ego-massage business. Win basketball games.
I really wonder if he thinks the last 2 seasons were a success [500 team]. If so he should want to blow up the roster. They overrate their talent with their words, but if he believes what he says, than bring a type of coach in that can maximize that talent, that is all we, as fans, can ask.
ES seems like a friendly gentleman, but his public statements are full of mumbo-jumbo. Word is, he’s got a slogan on his desk: “Trust everyone, but cut the cards.”
Noticed Ratliff complained about DiLeo not holding players accountable in Game 6 and Stefanski listed “hold(ing) players accountable” as one trait he wants from his new coach.
Tom, he said Theo won!t be back, I have a question; If the new coach he hires watches film and asked for Theo!s return, how would E.S., in your opinion, handle that?
ES knew Reverend Ratliff was spewin’ righteous anger and speakin’ gospel, however humbling (and unanticipated) the sermon.
Dave T.…..I know Jeff Van Gundy is “offensively challenged”. I don’t like him on that side of the ball either.
I mentioned the story about Van Gundy admitting on the air that Adelman is a better offensive coach than he is to illustrate that Van Gundy is aware of his limitations .
How would you feel if Van Gundy had as his top assistant someone who was responsible for the offense?
suede, If your trusty, good-soldiering, right-hand man gets publicly and rashly ripped by an employee, would you retain that critic on your payroll? Theo’s gone, by his own mouth, though he may have unwittingly done Seventy-Sixers basketball fans a real service by his ‘truth-missile’ rant. Even his ‘hard work & hustle’ standard won’t save him. Unless I’m wrong.
Does anyone think that what I just mentioned above is something that is addressed in the interview process?
I mean, if ES were interviewing Jeff Van Gundy, would he just come right out and ask him? Would he just state outright that he likes what Van Gundy does on the defensive side of the ball but that if he were to get the job he would have to hire an assistant to run the offense because ES feels he is lacking on that side?
On the one hand you don’t want to insult a guy, but on the other hand I imagine the GM has to be (or should be) pretty frank with each candidate as he is interviewing and assessing them.
bski, ES might ask him how he liked his experience as a supporting role-player in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.”
Seriously, Van Gundy, if given the opportunity, wouldn’t enter an interview and proceed to admit coaching weakness in half of the game.
That would be called a critical turnover.
Jumpin, he was also in Buckaroo Bonzii, a scifi laughfest. Blski, I would assume that E.S. basically asks any candidates how they would proceed with this roster of players, and a defense first approach would probably help get this job. But if E.S. hints at a possible assistant he wants to bring in, any viable candidate says thanks, but no thanks.
Some defensive philosophies require a slow down offense so that you maintaine floor balance and limit possessions. I’m not sure you can couple a JVG defense with a high octane offense. Sure, they could run on turn-overs, but I think the plodding, restricted set offense is part of the defensive scheme.
tk76, I thought going from Van Gundy to Adelman would be a culture shock of sorts for Houston, but they seemed to roll with it well; can this group of young guys handle a major change in phylosophy and temperiment in a new coach?
I’ll have a post and poll up later today on some coaching names and thoughts to continue this conversation.
Red Auerbach or Red Holzman couldn’t win with this Sixers roster.
I hope Ed’s fixin’ to blow it up. But I doubt it. Think he really believes in the Brand effect … for public consumption … for reputation conservation … for better or for worse.
jjg, blowing it up in the NBA usually means dealing away the roster for pennies on the dollar in order to start from scratch in the lottery. It takes incredible luck to be able to parlay your current talent through a trade and get a nascent superstar.
Would you advocate trading away everyone over 22 for cap relief and hope to build from scratch, or do you think they could exchange those pieces for a better core with a legit chance to contend?
I guess the last way to blow it up would be Boston style. Trade away all your young players or the best older vets you can find. Put them next to Brand and see if you can compete for a few years before bottoming out.
Thanks for the feedback, guys.
Just thinking out loud, but the first thing that popped into my head was how in the NFL you hear hear about head coaching candidates coming to interviews loaded with binders full of offensive and defensive schemes and other info and they lay out there vision for the team. You hear it all the time after a guy gets hired as a head coach: “He blew me away with how prepared he was and his attention to detail.” I don’t know if that kind of stuff goes when hiring an NBA coach. If it does, I don’t hear much about it.
The second thing that popped into my head was that you usually hear this kind of stuff when an assistant coach is trying to get a head coach position, like Andy Reid did here. I don’t think a guy like Mike Shanahan would need to do something like that to get a head coach job, since he already has a body of work as a head coach to go on.
For our situation, I guess any veteran coaches we interview, like Van Gundy and Collins, would not need to come in ultra-prepared and “sell” themselves. They (and ES) would rely on their body of work to speak for them to a large degree.
tk76, I’m talkin’ seeing reality and admitting to having overvalued commodities on hand. And then accepting loss in parting with ANY in order to clear space for ‘cleaner’ and more functional “necessities.” The coach and the style first (but Stefanski’s imposing his dream there), the “yard sale” next. ALL items on table.
Stefanski is to be interviwed on 610 AM radio momentarily.
interviewed too, as luck would have it!
Mark Jackson is out, Stefanski says the new coach has to have experience. He also said that he would consider a college coach.
ES: Gives same canned responses on every stop along his post-Tony media route; didn’t reveal much even through “open dialogue” with Gargano & Macnow. Admitting to “bizzare” Game 6 wreck and attributing fan discontent solely to it rings phony; Sixers problems go deeper and he knows it. Candor should be a leading characteristic in next coach.
Well Crazy Eddie is trying to resign Andre Miller, so right off the bat he has us worried.
I was happy Andre M “mistakenly” missed that meeting; thought it was his coda. Please don’t tell me he’s coming back. If he is, I’m gonna work on my up-fake (“the Salmi-wower”) and find Sixers FA tryout location this summer, blow by Miller a couple times to get him traded. Can’t take another year.
It’s driving me nuts that everyone keeps referring to the game six as a deciding factor (for a coaching change) and the reason for fans turning sour. What about the final 9 games of the reg. season?
I still can’t figure out why we got rid of Mo. Elton Brand was the Sixers problem to start the year, not Mo. Bring back Mo !
Randolph – It’s called the recency effect.